How to create connection at work that doesn't feel forced

"What started as a casual indulgence became a shared ritual. And without intending to, Grease Wednesdays began to change our department culture. We all began to get to know each other as individuals, with pets and families and hobbies. The ritual also smoothed tensions between departments, built friendships between unfamiliar teammates, and helped us realize we hadn't felt all that connected before."

"When people feel they belong, trust builds, collaboration accelerates, performance rises, loyalty deepens, and well-being improves. When they don't, silos form, trust erodes, and discretionary effort fades. A recent BetterUp survey found that workplace belonging leads to a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a 75% decrease in employee burnout."

"A 2025 survey of U.S. workers found nearly 40% report feeling lonely at work, and employees who lack social connection are significantly more likely to consider leaving their jobs because of it."

A casual weekly tradition of sharing fast food in a boardroom unexpectedly became a transformative workplace ritual that fostered genuine human connection among colleagues. What began as two coworkers indulging in a cheat day evolved into a department-wide gathering that broke down silos, built friendships across teams, and helped employees know each other as complete individuals with lives outside work. This experience reflects broader workplace research showing nearly 40% of U.S. workers report feeling lonely at work, with significant consequences for retention and performance. When employees experience genuine belonging, organizations see measurable improvements: 56% increase in job performance, 50% reduction in turnover risk, and 75% decrease in burnout. Conversely, lack of social connection erodes trust, creates silos, and diminishes discretionary effort.

Read at Fast Company