Free lunches, retreats and mentorship: 5 connection strategies that work

July 3, 2024 12:53 PM

Group of runners with numbers on shirts; women high-fiving

Work is much more interesting — and enjoyable — when employees feel connected, and employers reap benefits as well. Luckily, there are lots of proven options that foster relationships in and out of the office.

Seven out of ten employees wish they had better connections with coworkers, and 77% consider this an important part of company culture, according to a survey from employee recognition software company, Nectar. Bonding with colleagues also has an impact on retention: Research from BetterUp Labs found that workers with low connection were nearly 40% more likely to quit.

When organizations are successful in setting employees up to become closer, the payoff is a big one: In a survey by Wiley, 59% of respondents said having a friend at work was a deciding factor in staying at the company. Beyond friendship, employers can see an increase in engagement, productivity and creativity as well.

"Social engagements have been key to bolstering company culture, employee relationships and retention," says Chris Brennan, a marketing and safety manager who has seen the positive impact of connection efforts at his company. "While events require time and resources, the long term benefits to workplace connection and community far outweigh the investment."

Employees shared what their companies have done to create an environment of connection, and why it's been so successful in improving morale, collaboration and company pride.

Employee-planned events that build company culture

Stephanie Van Meter, chief of staff

"In the collaborative advertising industry, proximity is key. Our leadership team has launched the Change Initiative, empowering employees to lead and organize cultural and fun outings like bowling and baseball games, with all costs covered by the company.

Additionally, our employee-led Culture Committee prioritizes DEI efforts that reflect our values of ownership and authenticity. For example, a team member recently led our participation in the Atlanta Pride Run and Walk 5K. We encourage our team to celebrate communities, movements and heritages that matter to them, focusing on internal efforts rather than formal external organizations."

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Celebrating team accomplishments leads to comradery

David Weisselberger, attorney

"Our company's executive team instituted a "Case Closure Celebration" every month when we get together to celebrate wins and exchange stories. Attorneys and staff explain methods and lessons gained while presenting difficult situations we've handled. This not only encourages knowledge exchange among team members but also a sense of accomplishment as a group.

The relaxed atmosphere — often with a catered lunch — encourages candid conversation and the development of relationships. This practice has greatly increased the cohesiveness of our business, raising morale and strengthening our team-based approach to assisting clients in resolving their previous legal issues. It now serves as a pillar of our company culture, reaffirming our common goals and principles."

Good deeds promote deeper bonds

Chris Brennan, marketing and safety manager

"We regularly host gatherings like movie nights, potlucks and meet and greets. [Employees] get to know each other in an informal setting and build connections, which strengthens the sense of community.

We [also] organize volunteer days where we go out into the community to support local charities and organizations. Doing physical work together, like building a home or cleaning up a park, creates team bonding experiences that transcend the usual workplace dynamic. People get to see each other's strengths in a different light, and form new connections through collaborating to achieve shared goals."

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An outdoor retreat promotes professional growth

Max Williams, entrepreneur

"A previous employer organized an annual "Innovation Retreat." This was a company-wide effort that took place over a long weekend at a scenic location away from the usual office environment. The retreat was a perfect blend of team-building activities, brainstorming sessions and social gatherings, designed to foster creativity, collaboration and deeper connections among employees.

An integral part of the retreat was the mentorship sessions, where senior leaders paired with junior employees to provide guidance, share experiences and discuss career development. This not only helped in professional growth but also built strong mentor-mentee relationships.

The Innovation Retreat had a profound impact on me personally. It helped me forge strong relationships with my colleagues, which made the workplace more enjoyable and supportive. The mentorship sessions were particularly beneficial, providing me with valuable insights and guidance that shaped my career path."

Purposeful lunches increase creativity and communication

Julia Lozanov, chief editor

"Each month, [we have] "Cross-Pollination Lunches," where the corporation pays for a luncheon that is randomly assigned to employees from various departments. This fosters new relationships and knowledge across departments by encouraging interactions outside the typical bounds of the team.

Last month, I shared a table with our lead developer, a sales manager and a customer service agent. We talked about our ideas, problems and ongoing projects, which resulted in unanticipated partnerships. The developer gave advice on how to best optimize our material for technical accuracy, while I gave advice on how to explain complicated hosting principles to clients. Our workplace has become more inventive and unified as a result of these lunches, which have greatly increased communication, creativity and problem-solving among all employees."