Community is a burnout buffer. It allows us to process emotions related to stress and explore effective coping mechanisms. Community begins with your supervisor and extends to your friendships. In other words, you need it both from those in authority and from those outside of work. Community is the most underrated quality of an exceptional workplace culture. While it may be difficult to quantify, metrics like retention and engagement can provide insights into the presence or absence of community.
Building community requires intentionality. I recall in college how easy it was to find community—a simple walk down the hall could create connections. Now, as a professor at Purdue University teaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I observe my students forming community effortlessly. They work in teams, walk to class together, and attend athletic events as a group. I’m a bit envious of that season of life where community was naturally embedded. For adults in the workplace, fostering community takes deliberate effort.
How do you cultivate community at work? As a leader, your role is to create an environment where community can thrive, even though it cannot be forced. Building community requires willingness and commitment from all leaders. Your organization’s core values—assuming they are well-documented—should reflect themes of trust, relationships, teamwork, and community. Here are some actionable strategies to foster community in your workplace:
1. Establish Core Values That Reflect Community
Core values should explicitly highlight the importance of relationships, collaboration, and trust. These values set the tone for the workplace culture and signal that community is a priority.
2. Embrace Micro-Community Builders
These are the small, everyday actions that foster connection. For example:
- Start meetings with a check-in, asking, “How is everyone?”
- Send a thoughtful text to check on a colleague.
- Host Town Hall meetings that emphasize connection.
- Organize team lunches or casual gatherings.
3. Incorporate Programmatic Community Initiatives
These are consistent elements within your corporate ecosystem that promote connection. Examples include:
- Participating in community events outside the office.
- Hosting Town Hall meetings that focus more on connection than business.
- Structuring meetings around relational transformation rather than transactional updates.
4. Encourage Time Away From Work
A healthy community extends beyond the workplace. Encourage employees to disconnect from work and invest time in their personal lives. Balance is key to sustaining long-term well-being and productivity.
5. Strengthen Accountability, Feedback, and Conflict Resolution
When done well, these practices build trust and strengthen relationships. Addressing challenges constructively can foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect within the team.
What additional strategies do you use to establish and nurture community in your workplace? Share your thoughts and let’s continue the conversation!