Wiley’s latest survey indicates that employees still feel connected to their coworkers, even with the rising presence of hybrid and remote work, as well as the ongoing AI boom. The Workplace Intelligence report, titled Human Connection: The Crucial Secret to Thriving in the Digital Age, shows that 78% of employees surveyed answered that they feel connected to their coworkers, with 69% saying they also enjoy making connections with colleagues. Roughly half of employees responded that they would enjoy learning more about their coworkers by participating in a team-building activity.
The findings suggest friendships at work can improve employee retention. The majority (59%) of respondents said that having friends at work was a factor in deciding to stay at a company. The report also notes the impact that personal connections at work can have on one’s mental health. Friendships can act as support networks during challenging times, provide a sense of belonging, and alleviate stress through shared experiences and understanding.
“Feeling connected to coworkers is an effective factor in creating a positive work environment where people want to stay,” said Dr. Mark Scullard, senior director of product innovation at Wiley. “Employers should take steps to encourage and foster connection in their workplace.”
The report recommends companies invest in team-building activities that help build trust among coworkers, such team volunteering events or group lunches for onsite employees and facilitated learning experiences for those who work remotely.
Methodology
The data in this report are based on surveys completed by 2,008 individuals in North America, from individual contributors to executive leaders.
See also: Acosta Group: Top Five Retail Predictions For 2024
