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employee connection hub

Understanding the Connection Gap: Why it matters and how to fix it.

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Group of coworkers talking.
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Virtual employee meeting for workplace connection.

understanding connection

What is employee connection?

Discussions about “employee connection” or “workplace connection” are happening all over the internet in the era of Covid-19 and the Great Resignation. People leaders have a sense that connection at work is important (especially in these extraordinary times) but often struggle to define what it actually is. 

To improve employee connection, we need to understand employee connection—to define it in concrete terms. 

At Blueboard, we developed a 4-part definition of a
connected workplace as one where:

Employees feel connected to the company's mission, values, and leadership vision.

Employees feel connected to their coworkers and managers through authentic relationships.

Employees feel connected to the work they’re doing and understand its impact on company goals.

Employees feel that the work they’re doing is connected to their personal values and aspirations.

SEE HOW YOU MATCH UP

Agree or disagree: Employee connection is critical to organizational success.

See how your answer matches up with the nearly 400 HR professionals we surveyed.

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Connection Poll Graphic

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the results

How important is employee connection to organizational success?

The short answer: Very. According to our 2021 survey of almost 400 HR professionals and over 500 employees, employee connection is key to driving outcomes in retention, engagement, and managing remote or hybrid environments.

Get the full State of Workplace Connection report

95%

of HR professionals agree that investing in employee connection drives employee retention.

3 in 5

Nearly 3 in 5 employees would consider quitting if they didn’t feel connected at work.

85%

of HR professionals agree employee connection is a critical part of organizational success.

Employee connection gap percentages

connection gap

What's the
"Connection Gap"?

Our research also revealed a gap between what employees want when it comes to workplace connection and what employers are delivering. Almost 80% of employees want to feel connected to their company’s purpose and people, but most employees feel disconnected from their organization’s vision and values. And even more feel disconnected from their teammates and managers. That’s “The Connection Gap” and it’s an urgent problem.

Get the full State of Workplace Connection report
Connection Poll Graphic

Answer the poll to see how you match up.

SEE HOW YOU MATCH UP

Agree or disagree: My organization is effective at helping employees form authentic workplace relationships.

See how your answer matches up with the 500+ employees we surveyed.

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See how you match up

4 best practices to build an employee recognition program that drives connection.

A meaningful recognition and rewards program can help you encourage and reinforce behaviors that will lead to a more connected workplace. Here are 4 best practices to help you drive connection through employee recognition.

Looking for the best way to reward, recognize and incentivize your top people?

Connect with our team for a personalized demo of our recognition and rewards platform and see our hand-curated experience menus.

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