In Part 2 of the series, “Four Keys to Thriving Workers and Successful Organizations“, Jan Johnson and Yong In explore the importance of social cohesion to nurture connections and authentic interactions.
The highest and best use of the office is to strengthen social cohesion. Several years ago, Allsteel sponsored research that found social cohesion to have THE highest (scientifically proven) correlation to knowledge worker productivity—specifically team productivity. More recently, Jeff Leitner also identified studies that suggest that social cohesion is also highly correlated to individual performance, motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes; it also helps workers manage fear, stress, and anxiety; which in turn reduces burnout.
The Importance of Social Cohesion
Workplace design can help organizations to strengthen social cohesion. Social cohesion has four dimensions: Fairness (read: equity), Authenticity, Interdependence, and Belonging. Both the design process and the resulting design recommendations can promote these qualities. For example, activity-based planning is inherently more equitable than status or one-size-fits-all as a way of allocating space. It also encourages and enables users to select the most supportive and conducive space to perform a given task and is one step toward supporting a neurodiverse workforce. Additionally, involving users in co-creating their activity-based neighborhoods increases feelings of interdependence and belonging and can inspire a sense of ongoing stewardship.
Social connection and ideation/development/problem-solving are just easier and more effective face-to-face in appropriately designed settings. While hybrid work inherently gives workers more places to work—office, home, coworking, coffee shop, etc.—and the autonomy to come and go as they need to, a tech and resource-rich space is the optimal place to do complex transformational activities: problem-solving, idea generation, process improvements, etc. This in turn also enables rebuilding interpersonal connections that foster interdependence and a sense of belonging. At the same time, it’s important to create as equitable an experience as possible to ensure all participants – regardless of their location – feel equitably and fully engaged and included.
Support Mentor & Mentee Relationships
Another source of connection and belonging for the employee is through well-crafted mentorship program. Mentorship supports employees’ growth, development, and career progression, and also help employees feel more motivated, engaged, and evoke sense of belonging to their organizations. Mentorship can be especially beneficial for Gen Z employees who entered the workforce during the pandemic and used to working remotely. These digital natives are looking for mentors who give them the autonomy, but also coach them by providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities to learn and grow. Organizations can train managers to adopt a coaching mindset and provide them with tools and resources to effectively mentor their younger employees. The office can be a place where mentors and mentees can meet and interact to exchange ideas, build trust and connection.
Set the Stage for Memorable Experiences
The value of office is also about creating meaningful and memorable EXPERIENCES for employees to foster a sense of belonging, and build community and culture. The office can be seen as a social gathering space and an event space, where employees can participate in various activities that enhance their well-being, learning, and creativity. For example, Google’s Xi Experience Institute is creating experiences and events for employees to collaborate with diverse teams, experiment, explore new possibilities, and create innovative solutions for the world’s challenges. These new experiential workspaces can be a place where employees can come together, celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and express their gratitude to each other. These experiences can help employees feel more connected to their organization, their colleagues, and their work.
Read Part 3: Encourage teams to develop team agreements
Resources
Allsteel,”How to Know If We Are Getting Social Cohesion Right?” https://www.allsteeloffice.com/insights/blog/how-know-if-were-getting-social-cohesion-right
