The world of work has undergone significant transformation in recent years, due to technological advances, changing societal values and the pandemic, among other factors. We’ve seen the rise of remote and hybrid work, emphasis on creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces, and shifting priorities as people seek out work-life balance and alignment between their personal values and those of the company they work for. A common theme continues to emerge across industries and job levels, people are craving connection.

A recent study by Freeman found that Gen-Z in particular, who are often considered the drivers for remote work, want their workplaces to put both the money and time into events or programmes, that allows them to build relationships with their co-workers. In a world where we’re more digitally connected, a surprising number of employees are feeling more isolated than ever before, demonstrating a needed shift in workplace culture.

This sense of disconnection is not just anecdotal, it’s measurable. According to Gallup’s 2025 State of the Global Workplace report, 22% of the world’s employees globally experience a feeling of loneliness every day at work, indicating a rise from previous years. Alongside this, the percentage of engaged employees fell for only the second time in the last 12 years, to 21%, and employee wellbeing also dropped for a second consecutive year. This is concerning not only in terms of productivity but also for employee satisfaction, with many feeing psychologically detached from their work. When individuals don’t feel seen, supported, or connected in the workplace, it affects not only their performance but also their overall sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Why Community at Work Matters

Community at work is about more than just getting along with colleagues or attending the occasional team event. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose that connects people to each other and to the organisation. A strong workplace community supports collaboration, encourages open communication, and creates a culture where individuals feel valued not just for their output, but for who they are.

Research continually shows that employees who feel a sense of community at work are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and loyal. One study from BetterUp revealed that employees with a strong sense of belonging are significantly more likely to perform at a high level and less likely to leave their roles. Beyond performance metrics, the emotional benefits are just as clear. Social connection at work has been linked to lower stress, better mental health, and even longer life expectancy. By contrast, isolation is now being recognised as a public health issue, and in the workplace, it leads to burnout and higher levels of staff turnover.

Given the link between connection and wellbeing, it’s important for organisations to create an environment where staff feel psychologically safe, and that they can bring their authentic selves to work. Doing so, makes individuals feel comfortable to openly contribute their ideas, express themselves plus any concerns they may have without any fear of judgment.

The realities of building Community in today’s Workplace

Many of the traditional sources of camaraderie and belonging such as casual office conversations, team lunches and spontaneous brainstorming have been somewhat eroded in a hybrid environment. When our workdays are structured around back-to-back virtual meetings and isolated home office routines, the opportunities to form meaningful relationships diminish. Hence, fostering connection among colleagues and across departments takes more than a well-intentioned social calendar.

Digital fatigue, differences in working styles, and a lack of physical touchpoints can all make people feel more distant, and not everyone engages in the same way. For some, structured team events are energising, however for others, connection grows through quieter, more personal interactions. A strong community recognises and supports both.

Not every initiative will land the first time, a community isn’t built overnight, but rather over time, through small moments of trust, care, and shared purpose.

Fostering community at work is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s a business and wellbeing imperative. In a landscape where people are seeking deeper connection and meaning, the organisations that succeed will be those that invest in creating space for relationships, empathy and belonging, where people feel they can bring their authentic selves to work.

Whether your team is fully remote, office-based, or somewhere in between, the opportunity to build community is always there, and when you get it right, the ripple effects are felt everywhere, from performance and retention to wellbeing and innovation.

So, how can organisations start to bridge the gap?

A meaningful sense of connection at work doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful design, small habits, and a culture that encourages people to show up as more than just their job titles. It starts with intention, bringing people together, emotionally as much as physically, and needs to be part of how a workplace functions, not just an extra.

Here’s where that begins:

Ask, listen, and be ready to adapt

Perhaps the most important ingredient in community-building is listening. Not every initiative will resonate with every team, and what works now might not work six months from now. Regular engagement surveys, open forums, or simply checking in with a “how are things feeling?” can surface ideas and issues early.

Leaders play a vital role in this. When they model curiosity, openness, and vulnerability, it sets the tone for a culture where people feel safe to connect. Because ultimately, community is built in the day-to-day flows, in how we treat each other, what we prioritise, and what we make space for.

As we move forward into the future of work, organisations that prioritise connection will have a powerful advantage. Not just in retention and performance, but in creating environments where people can thrive. Community isn’t just a perk, it’s a foundational piece of a resilient, human-centred workplace.

Ultimately, no matter how advanced our technology becomes, people will always work best when they feel they belong.