Connection
Have you ever joined a workplace where everyone already seemed to know each other? Conversations happened around you, decisions seemed to be made before meetings, and despite being welcomed politely, you never quite felt part of the team.
That’s a lack of connection.
Connection is one of the Five Characteristics of Intergenerational Workplaces. It reflects the extent to which people feel they belong, are valued and are genuinely part of the organisation, regardless of their generation.
This sense of belonging is what transforms a collection of employees into a team. Without it, loyalty, engagement and collaboration are difficult to sustain. In intergenerational workplaces, where diversity of experience and perspective is naturally high, fostering Connection is especially important for building trust and unity.
The Link Between Positive Interactions and Connection
Positive Interactions lay the foundation for Connection. Without frequent and meaningful interactions, Connection cannot flourish. Surface-level conversations rarely build genuine relationships. To create a true sense of belonging, interactions need both frequency and depth.
A Personal Example of Connection (or Lack Thereof)
Early in my career I worked in a school where, despite being treated professionally, I never felt part of the organisation. Conversations rarely moved beyond the surface, relationships never really developed, and I finished the year feeling that my presence had made little difference.
I’ve also worked in organisations where leaving was genuinely difficult because of the relationships I’d built. The work mattered—but the people mattered more.
Connection is essential for any organisation to thrive, particularly intergenerational ones. Without it, the diversity that could be a strength becomes a source of division.
How to Build Connection
To foster Connection, organisations need to build on Positive Interactions by creating opportunities for deeper connections. Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Small-Group Conversations
Encourage one-on-one or small-group interactions where people can share their stories and get to know one another on a deeper level. These settings often lead to stronger bonds than large, impersonal gatherings.
2. Share Personal Stories
Create opportunities for people to know each other beyond their job title. For example:
* Invite team members to share something about their background or career journey during meetings.
* Include “getting to know you” conversations as part of onboarding.
* Highlight employees’ stories through internal newsletters or team updates.
Understanding someone’s journey makes it easier to empathise with their perspective and build stronger relationships across generations.
3. Shared Experiences
Create events that bring generations together in meaningful ways, such as:
- Cross functional projects that require input from multiple generations.
- Team lunches
- Volunteer days, or
- Company end of year parties.
These shared experiences help build trust and camaraderie among participants.
Connection Doesn't Require Agreement
Connection doesn’t mean everyone must agree on everything. Learning about others’ journeys helps us appreciate their viewpoints, even when they differ from our own. As a society, we need to embrace the idea that respect and friendship don’t require total agreement.
The Five Characteristics
Connection is one of five characteristics identified in our research into intergenerational workplaces.
• Positive Interactions
• Connection
• Interdependence
• Accommodation
• Empowerment
Read the other characteristics →
Want to understand how your organisation performs across all five characteristics?
Take the Generational Snapshot.
