Many employees also say that having friends at work helps them feel more engaged in the workplace, and as a result, more committed to their organization.

In today’s business world, with more companies shifting towards a hybrid or fully remote work model, a sense of connection amongst co-workers has never been more important. Here are a few ways HR can create a company culture that supports friendships in the workplace.

Foster a Sense of Community Through DEIA

Most of us would agree that people feel better and are more productive when they’re in a welcoming and safe environment. This, in turn, can have a significant impact on how co-workers interact with one another.

For instance, people who feel they are accepted and supported at work are more likely to:

• Reach out for help when they need it
• Confide in those around them
• Offer to help others when they’re able
• Speak up and add their voice to the company conversation
• Provide creative insight on projects or tasks

A strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) doesn’t just improve the overall culture of a company. It can also be the key to helping your employees develop deeper connections with one another by creating a supportive community in the workplace.

Enable Frequent Team Interaction

Face-to-face team interaction is especially important for hybrid and remote teams.

If most of your employees live in the same geographical area, occasional in-person team parties and events are a good option.

However, for fully remote teams, here are a few creative suggestions:

• Provide virtual peer-to-peer learning opportunities
• Host interactive virtual group coaching sessions
• Provide an informal virtual space for employee communication and celebration
• Host a work-appropriate book club with regular virtual meetings

Provide Workshops on Conflict Resolution

Along with creating a healthy workplace atmosphere, HR can help maintain it by educating employees on workplace conflict.

Providing workplace conflict resolution training can help employees learn how to deal with tensions in a respectful and productive way that will add to, rather than detract from the company culture.

Beyond that, encourage employees to share their experiences openly and ask employees for input on how the company’s current approach to conflict resolution might be improved upon.

Be a Safe Space for Employee Concerns and Celebrations!

Finally, HR can position itself as a safe space where employees can share both concerns and celebrations.

Maintaining an open-door policy with a respect for employee privacy will encourage better communication, and top-down transparency within the organization will go a long way towards instilling trust.

When it comes to celebrations, make sure there are guidelines in place for employee recognition.

Keep in mind that the celebrations don’t need to be reserved for workplace wins. 60% of organizations help their employees celebrate life events as well, such as weddings and birthdays, which can increase a sense of camaraderie and unity within your company.

Let Cura HR Help Foster Connection Within Your Organization

Creating a company culture that encourages deeper employee connections and fosters a sense of community can have lasting and widespread impacts on your organization. This is especially important in today’s remote and hybrid business world.

Are you ready to learn more about how Cura HR can help support better employee connection in your organization? Get in touch today.