Authentic Connection: A Vital Ingredient for Workplace Engagement and Health
In today's fast-paced work environment, where technology often mediates our interactions, building authentic connections can be challenging. However, fostering genuine relationships is crucial for nurturing a positive workplace culture, elevating overall job satisfaction, and improving profits.
As companies and individuals increasingly overlook the importance of authentic connections, we are witnessing concerning declines both within the workplace and beyond, resulting in*:
➡️ 75% of the US workforce experiencing burnout at least sometimes, with 25% experiencing burnout all of the time
➡️ 60% of the US workforce is emotionally detached from their jobs ( quietly quitting)
➡️ 78% of the workforce worldwide is not engaged in their work, costing the global economy an estimated $8.8 trillion annually
➡️ Forty-four million US adults experience loneliness daily, and 110 million of all Americans show signs of clinical anxiety or depression.
(*Source: Gallup, State of the Workplace: 2024 Report)
These numbers are at epidemic proportions and only getting worse every year. (Source: Cigna 2018 Loneliness Index)
In fact, according to one meta-analysis, a lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day or having an alcohol use disorder, showing that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity. (Source: Social Isolation in Aging Adults)
Taken together, these statistics show an impact on people’s well-being and company profits through sluggish productivity.
These concerning trends can be effectively addressed through targeted intervention, and research indicates the most impactful setting for such efforts is the workplace, where individuals spend approximately one-third of their lives. While most companies try to combat these trends and raise engagement through incentive programs like including monetary rewards, recognition, or additional benefits, a study published by King’s College London found a direct negative relationship between employee incentives and job satisfaction with no significant relationship to employees’ commitment and trust in management.
We at Trust and Leadership Coaching (TLC) believe there’s a better way to improve employee engagement, raise trust, boost profits, and encourage individual and organizational growth. It starts by creating authentic relationships.
At TLC, we’ve found that a targeted intervention to create an authentic connection requires the following:
Defining what authentic connection means. At TLC, we define it as “A genuine message, thought, or emotion between individuals that involves vulnerability, active listening, acceptance, and empathy, allowing for an expression of true selves without a fear of judgment.” By creating a definition it keeps actions and messaging aligned for a company.
Every individual becomes aware of their unique strengths and skills to foster authentic connection authentically. (Yes, that’s a mouthful!) At TLC, we do this through assessments that create an individual’s unique “puzzle of you.” For a company, this takes the form of leveraging individual strengths for team or group activities.
Cultivating a trustworthy environment that allows people to thrive in a mentally safe space. While that may seem like an enormous task, this change is more straightforward than it looks. At TLC, we have an exercise that allows a company to create the baseline for safety in a ½ day workshop. Similarly, individuals learn to embody trust in TLC’s group and individual programs.
Leaders receive the ongoing support of a skilled coach, so new habits and skills based on the above requirements can be established. At TLC, we offer customizable packages from Rising Stars to Executives who provide this support. Our programs fit organizations as well as individuals at a cost-effective price point.
At TLC, we’re convinced everyone can create a space that promotes genuine connections. A significant 80% of Gen Z employees report that mental health support and professional growth are their top priorities, meaning the urgency to take action is clear.
If you’re ready to reap the benefits of a workplace where everyone feels valued and connected, it’s time to invest in a development program that delivers results. See the TLC difference if you’re ready to be an authentically connected leader, paving the way for a more engaged, healthier, and productive future. Together, we can redefine workplace culture and make authenticity an ideal and a reality.