Hey there,
We need to talk about something that’s quietly costing teams big time: loneliness.
💡 More than half (52%) of U.S. workers report feeling lonely at work. (Cigna, 2023)
And when people feel disconnected? Productivity tanks. Collaboration suffers. Innovation stalls.
Loneliness is heavy—because we’ve all been there.
But here’s the thing: connection isn’t just a “nice to have” in leadership. It’s a business advantage. When employees don’t feel connected to their team or their work, disengagement sets in. And disengagement? That’s expensive.
LEADERSHIP: Creating a Culture of Connection
Your job isn’t to be a cheerleader or force team bonding, but it is to create an environment where people see the value in each other. That’s where real engagement happens.
It can be as simple as:
🔹 “Tara, you’re incredibly organized, and Sam, you know the process inside and out—your collaboration could be a game-changer.”
🔹 “Mike, you’re great with data. I’d love for you to work with Sara—she has a creative eye for showcasing insights. I think you’ll both bring value to this project.”
🔹 “Mark, you have corgis, right?”
✅ Small talk before meetings? It matters.
✅ Sharing stories? It matters.
✅ Creating an environment where people actually enjoy working together? That’s a leadership advantage.
All work and no play doesn’t just make for a dull workplace—it makes for an expensive one.
LIFE: Connection Beyond the Workplace
This isn’t just a work problem—it’s a human one. In a world where we’re more digitally connected than ever, loneliness is at an all-time high. The same small moments that strengthen teams also strengthen relationships outside of work:
✔️ Texting a friend just because.
✔️ Actually listening instead of waiting to talk.
✔️ Asking someone a question that isn’t about work.
Loneliness doesn’t solve itself. Whether at work or in life, small, intentional moments of connection matter.
Your Challenge:
Bring back the:
✅ Small talk in everyday interactions (coffee shop, gas station, grocery store). People aren’t expecting to feel seen and heard. It matters.
✅ Story-sharing. When you share a story, you encourage others to do the same. Stories are how we experience the world—they’re how we weave together. It matters.
✅ Energy in the room. Ever walked into a space that felt blah? If you can bring a little energy—not the over-the-top, rah-rah kind, but the genuinely glad to be here kind—it makes a difference. It matters.
What’s one small thing you can do this week to foster connection—at work or in life?
Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear.
Out there happening to the world,
Lisa
Keynote Speaker, Author, and Creator the Have Good Ripple Effect Podcast
P.S. Hit reply anytime to share your stories, ask questions, or celebrate your latest win—I’d love to hear from you!