5 simple ways to stay connected and happy at work

With the new ways of working since the pandemic, it’s vital for leaders and managers to help their teams stay connected and happy at work. But what does that actually look like? Stephanie Davies has her tips to help you keep connection at the heart of your workplace culture. 

One of the paradoxes of the new way of working is that people want to belong and be part of a team, but recent surveys show that only 16% of people want to go back to working at a physical location full time.

Apart from the message this gives to work colleagues (I really like you, but not enough to spend that much time with you), this also presents leaders with a challenge, particularly as one study showed that a sense of belonging can result in a 56% increase in work performance. Research also reveals that 89% of employees say that work relationships are important for overall quality of life. 

Just one friendship in the office can strengthen a connection with the organisation. Science points to the cognitive benefits of engaging in even a small amount of workplace socialising – and the more you interact with colleagues, the more productive you’ll be. 

So how can you give your people cake and allow them to eat it – either in the office or at home?

Why connections are so important

For people to feel a sense of belonging, they need to be connected. This connection doesn’t solely have to be about being with others. It can be a connection to the wider cause or the bigger picture. Leaders should endeavor to understand the type of connections that mean the most to their team members.

Is the individual someone who needs to feel fully connected and chat with others to talk through work challenges and the bigger picture? Or are they happier on their own? Do they prefer meaningful one-to-ones, or are they happier with regular casual catchups? 

Identifying what’s needed and how you can support inter-team connections and happiness is a skill and a vital part of leadership. At Laughology, we call this process Big Chats, Little Chats

Here are five ideas that could support happiness at work and help you identify ways you and your team can stay connected. 

1. Helping other people

Some people get job satisfaction from helping others, but support isn’t part of their role. In these situations perhaps this need could be met by them becoming a workplace mental health first-aider or a member of a similar workplace support group.  

2. Problem-solving 

Roles that involve problem-solving can be very fulfilling for people who need a greater connection to the bigger picture. It can help them feel empowered and included. To enhance that bigger-picture feeling, you could also encourage people to get involved in organising charity and team events that link people over and above their team.  

3. Be kind to yourself and each other

Before thinking about improving team relationships, check that people are looking after themselves and each other. Encourage people to treat themselves with kindness. This means making time to step away from the desk for regular breaks and making friends with your ‘inner critic’ (the inner voice that doubts your abilities). If you encourage people to be kind to themselves, they will be kind to each other too.

Counter negative thoughts (“I should have done better”) with something positive (“I’ve done enough”). Write down five positive things you’re proud of that you can refer to when you doubt your abilities. Start with yourself and then widen this practice out to the team. Try this every week and encourage each other to keep this going. 

4. Talk about development and change

Research reveals that 82% of adults over the age of 45 who make a career change are ultimately successful and happier. But while the numbers show that a shift is positive, neuroscientists reveal that change registers in the brain in the same way as failure. 

Put simply, change is scary! But with the numbers showing that over half of the UK workers surveyed are unhappy in their jobs and the ONS announcing earlier this month that job vacancies have hit a record high, there’s never been a better time to make a change.

You may think having a conversation that encourages a team member to move on is bad. It’s quite the opposite. Helping someone be happy might mean tough conversations in the initial stage.  Talking to an individual about observations in their behaviour and how you could help them find a job they love and feel connected to, might be a tough one to start, but in the end everyone benefits. 

We all have blind spots – so it’s important to have conversations.

5. Recognition 

Finally, remember to recognise achievements, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Recognition is a big part of feeling satisfied and happy. Celebrating and recognising people for their contributions is important. 

To chat to us about how to help your managers keep teams connected and have the right conversations, email stephanie@laughology.co.uk. You can also read more about how we’ve helped other organisations too.