The State of Human Connection at Work

In our first study on the state of human connection at work, we found that what differentiated the people who felt more connected from less connected was whether they worked for a manager who displayed the qualities of moral leadership. This year, we continued our research and found that moral leaders foster the cultures of meaningful connection. This is important because it is about how moral leadership is the key to human connection at scale.

1. Moral Leaders Foster Cultures of Meaningful Connection

Organizations that successfully foster a culture of empathy

82%

Connection with my organization helps me to be the best version of myself

38%

Organizations that make tough decisions in a principled manner

76%

Connection with my organization helps me to be the best version of myself

40%

Agree or strongly agree
  Disagree or strongly disagree
2. HOW We Connect Matters More Than How Much We Connect

Since March 2020

Individuals:
61%

Voiced that they have become more comfortable with sharing details about their non-work life that may affect their work

75%

Agree that sharing details about their non-work life has helped them get their work done more effectively

Managers:
59%

Voiced their manager is more open to sharing details about non-work life that may affect their work

75%

Agree that knowing details about their manager’s non-work life helps them get their work done more effectively

3. The Great Resignation Is not a “Freedom From” Problem – It Is a “Freedom To” Opportunity
86%

Of respondents who report their organization values human connection intend to stay at their organization for at least the next year

4. Shared Values in Action Inspire Connection

Since March 2020, how important is it to work for an organization that is aligned to my personal mission?

0
20
40
60
52%
8%
40%
More important
Less important
No difference
5. The Pause Paves the Way for a More Positive Tomorrow

Reflecting on the period since March 2020

 

  • 20
  • 40
  • 60
  • 80
  • 100%
  • 82%
  • 78%
  • 72%
Believe I will be better off in the long run because of the lessons I have learned
Believe my organization will be better off in the long run because of the lessons it has learned
Believe society will be better off in the long run because of the lessons that have been learned
6. Trust Is the Foundation for Human Connection

Since March 2020

Colleagues
trust me

36%

9%

55%

Individuals
trust
colleagues

31%

11%

58%
More
Less
Same
7. Meaningful Human Connections Correlated With Increased Productivity
61%

Report an increase in productivity if they have also developed or depended relationship that help them to produce work they’re proud of

64%

Report an increase in productivity if they have also developed or deepened relationship that make starting their workday something they look forward to

Read the Report