Why Nurturing Human Connections is Vital for Business Survival

Hello readers! Let's chat about how things are changing in the world of work. You've probably noticed a bunch of shifts happening in recent years - AI getting smarter, the pandemic shaking things up, and the world becoming more connected than ever. These changes are seriously impacting how we work, possibly more than anything since the Industrial Revolution.

Remember the days of everyone working together in the office, bouncing ideas off each other? Well, those days don’t happen as often as they used to, and for many businesses those days have faded away all together. The pandemic forced us to rethink how we work, forcing workers to log in from home. Now, lots of us are still working solo, far from our coworkers, and relying on technology to keep us connected. Machines are even taking over some jobs that used to be done by people.

Of course, there are perks to this new flexible working setup - it can save money and make certain tasks easier. But it's also messing with the way we relate to each other at work, which is a big deal. Governments, businesses, and other groups are scrambling to figure out how to keep those human connections alive in this brave new world.

Let's talk about AI for a sec. It's not just some far-off idea anymore; it's shaking up industries left and right. From self-driving cars to personalised healthcare, AI is everywhere, including in our workplaces. Even handy tools like ChatGPT are changing how businesses are run, taking over tasks we used to do ourselves. And while AI can improve efficiency, relying on it too much could squash creativity and the unique ideas people bring to their jobs, and ultimately lead to a loss of human connection.

Globalisation is in on the action too. Thanks to the internet, remote companies can now hire people from all over the world. Having access to this larger talent pool can lead to a more skilled and diverse workforce, and while that can be great for business, it also means fewer of those spontaneous chats by the water cooler.

The pandemic left us wondering if we even need to go back to the office at all. But going back to the office isn't as simple as flicking a switch. Our brains have gotten used to the peace and quiet of working from home. Jumping back into the hustle and bustle of the office can have a negative impact on productivity and our sense of work-life balance. Flexible working has been a game changer in creating a more inclusive workplace. And in an economy where every penny counts, we can’t ignore the costs saved by eliminating the need to commute to a physical office.

However, let's not forget about the downsides of remote work, either. It's not accessible to everyone, especially folks in lower-paying jobs or certain industries. And while some of us might be happier working from home, others miss the social side of the office, finding that remote working leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The lack of face-to-face communication with colleagues can make it difficult to build relationships and foster a sense of belonging, and this feeling of disconnect can impact morale and job satisfaction over time. 

So, what's the solution? Some folks are saying we should split our time between home and the office - a hybrid model. That way, we get the best of both worlds: quiet time to focus at home and the chance to collaborate with our coworkers in person. 

Whatever your stance on the WFH vs RTO debate, it's crucial to keep those human connections alive. Failing to do so can result in decreased employee morale, communication breakdowns, as well as a loss of company culture. It can also have a negative impact on employee retention and recruitment and productivity. 

If you’re running a remote or hybrid business, there are ways to adapt to managing a distributed team and find ways to keep things ‘human’ – things like organising virtual team-building activities, setting up mentorship programs, and making sure everyone feels heard and supported. You can encourage conversation beyond shop-talk by creating forums or dedicated Slack channels to discuss hobbies and interests, and share updates on team achievements, milestones, and successes regularly. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, fosters a sense of shared purpose and motivation among team members.

This is where Thankbox comes in – we’re all about keeping the workplace ‘human’ in today’s digital landscape, helping remote and hybrid teams stay connected and celebrate the little wins and milestones that make the workplace feel like a community. 

So, as we navigate this brave new world of work, let's keep in mind that it's not just about productivity or profit - it's about staying connected and looking out for each other, too.

Images: Cover | Man using Chat GPT | Employees working together