How to build employee connections in 2025

It’s harder than ever to build real employee connections — even though we’re more connected than ever before. With remote and hybrid environments reshaping workplace dynamics, and global teams becoming the norm, how employees interact and collaborate has changed significantly.

Despite having more access to technology than ever, Gallup researchers found an increase in loneliness among dispersed workers — with 25% of fully remote employees reporting experiencing loneliness and 21% among hybrid workers. Feelings of isolation at work can have significant impacts on team collaboration, employee engagement, productivity, retention, and — ultimately — your organization’s bottom line.

Building employee connections is about creating a culture that allows peer relationships to develop and thrive, no matter where they are in the world. Let Achievers show you how to strengthen and nurture employee connections across your organization, with actionable strategies you can start implementing today.

What are employee connections?

Employee connections are the sense of belonging and attachment employees feel towards their colleagues and the organization itself. It encompasses the quality of workplace relationships, engagement with the company’s mission, and the feeling of community with peers and leadership. At its core, it’s about creating a culture where individuals feel valued and part of something bigger than themselves.

Employee connections are an often-overlooked driver of organizational success. The reality is that connected employees are more engaged and aligned with company goals and are often willing to go above and beyond. Research from Achievers 2024 Engagement and Retention Report found that employees who feel that their company’s decisions and communication align strongly with their corporate values are 50% less likely to say they will job hunt and are nine times more likely to have high job commitment.

Prioritizing employee connections benefits all aspects of an organization, from employee retention to creating a belonging blueprint that encourages those positive employee behaviors.

Why are employee connections important?

Employee connections aren’t just about casual conversations. They’re about shaping how people work together and grow both individually and collectively. Some key reasons why employee connections are important to organizations include:

• Boosts engagement: Connected employees are more motivated and invested in their work.
• Improves collaboration: Strong relationships lead to better communication and teamwork.
• Enhances retention: Employees who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to stay long-term.
• Drives productivity: Teams with strong connections are more efficient and aligned.
• Strengthens culture: A connected workforce fosters a positive, inclusive environment that attracts top talent.

8 strategies for building employee connections

Employee connections are part of what makes organizations great places to work. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and leaders, they work better together and are eager to perform at a higher level.

However, building these connections takes effort and planning. Here’s how you can start building employee connections in your organization:

1. Practice open communication

Open communication is the foundation of strong employee connections. Leaders set the tone by sharing important updates about company performance, strategic initiatives, and upcoming changes that affect employees. This kind of transparent communication not only builds trust, but also helps employees feel like they’re part of the bigger picture.

2. Encourage feedback

It’s just as important to create channels for employees to share their thoughts and ideas. Anonymous feedback tools, like those in employee engagement platforms, make it easy for team members to provide different types of feedback without fear of judgment. This two-way communication helps employees feel heard and strengthens their connection to the organization.

3. Connect workforces with employee recognition

Recognition is a simple but powerful way to strengthen employee connections. A quick “thank you” or shoutout can make someone’s day — but a structured recognition program takes it a step further.

An established recognition platform offers a range of benefits beyond just acknowledging a job well done. When integrated with points-based rewards, recognition allows leaders to reward positive employee behaviors and create a foundation where those behaviors are encouraged and repeated.

4. Train managers to empower employees

Managers play a crucial role in shaping employee connections. When employees trust their employer and feel supported, they’re more engaged and confident in their work. Part of that trust lies in the power of recognition. According to data from Achievers Workforce Institute, managers are 3x more trusted by employees who receive at least monthly meaningful recognition from their employers.

Train managers to focus on employee empowerment. This means recognizing individual strengths, providing resources to overcome challenges, and setting achievable, collaborative goals. Regular check-ins and coaching conversations help build trust and show employees that their managers have their back.

5. Encourage collaboration and social interaction

Building employee connections is difficult without collaboration and social interactions, but it’s important to get the balance right. Forced social events or unnecessary group projects can feel awkward and counterproductive.

Instead, give employees the tools they need to collaborate effectively, like team chat apps or project management platforms. Encourage organic interaction by recognizing employees who work well with others and organizing optional team-building activities. Virtual coffee chats, online games, and in-person volunteering are just a few ways to help employees engage naturally, on their own terms.

6. Support employee development

Investing in employees’ growth is one of the best ways to show you value them. Investing time and resources into talent development opportunities like workshops, online training, and tuition reimbursement helps employees build their skills along with a sense of loyalty and connection to your company.

According to Gartner, only 46% of employees feel supported in their career growth at their current jobs. Encourage managers to discuss career development regularly with their teams, focusing on goals and opportunities tailored to each employee. When employees see a clear path for growth, they’re more engaged and committed to your company.

7. Prioritize employee wellness

Wellness is essential to the foundation of employee connections. When employees feel supported in managing their health and stress levels, they have the tools to build meaningful relationships at work.

Offer flexible schedules, encourage the use of PTO, and set clear boundaries that help employees unplug after hours. Creating or sourcing wellness programs — like mindfulness training or burnout prevention workshops — can also make a big difference. Don’t forget to check in regularly with employees and offer support wherever needed.

8. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)

When employees feel accepted and valued for who they are, regardless of their background, they’re more likely to feel like they belong amongst their peers and are excited to contribute to your organization’s goals and mission.

An inclusive environment encourages diverse perspectives, making teams stronger and more innovative. DEIB initiatives ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed and that all voices are heard. This not only enhances collaboration but also leads to stronger employee connections and a healthier workplace culture.

The role of an employee connections platform

An employee connections platform is the first step to creating the kind of workplace environment that champions its people. By centralizing HR initiatives around engagement, retention, and communication, organizations can better the employee experience and create a foundation for growth and success.

Achievers can help you build that foundation from the ground up. With our all-in-one employee experience platform, we help businesses create meaningful moments of connection at every stage of the employee experience. Together, these tools work together to build a workplace culture that you can be proud of.

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