In an era of hybrid and remote work, the need for a strong sense of workplace community has never been more crucial for employee engagement. As employees increasingly work from different locations, often across time zones and cultures, maintaining connection and fostering engagement presents a unique challenge. While technology has bridged many gaps, it has also, in some ways, left employees feeling more isolated. This shift has brought the role of human resources (HR) into sharper focus, with HR professionals tasked with developing strategies to build and sustain workplace communities that thrive, regardless of physical location.
The Importance of Workplace Community
At its core, a workplace community is about belonging. It’s the sense employees have that they are part of something larger, a network of people working towards shared goals. A strong community promotes collaboration, engagement, and mutual support. According to a 2023 study by Gallup, employees who feel connected to their organization and colleagues are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged at work. This engagement translates directly into improved productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction.
When employees feel a sense of community, they are more likely to stay with their company long-term, contributing to lower turnover rates and employee engagement. For companies, this means not only retaining top talent but also fostering a culture of trust and collaboration that drives business success. HR’s role in fostering this community, especially in distributed or hybrid workplaces, is essential.
The Challenges of Building Community in a Remote World
Remote work, while providing flexibility and convenience, has brought with it significant challenges to building and maintaining community. A lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Employees may struggle to form bonds with colleagues they rarely, if ever, meet in person. Communication becomes more transactional, and informal interactions—the kind that happen in hallways or during lunch breaks—are often lost.
Moreover, in a remote or hybrid environment, it’s easy for employees to feel “out of the loop,” especially if communication isn’t managed well. Information silos can form, and employees may miss out on crucial updates, leading to misunderstandings or disengagement. For HR, addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach to communication, inclusion, and relationship-building.
Strategies for Building a Strong Workplace Community
1. Fostering Open Communication
Transparent and consistent communication is the foundation of any strong community. HR should facilitate open channels of communication that encourage employees to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This includes regularly scheduled team meetings, one-on-ones with managers, and forums for employees to ask questions and provide suggestions.
In addition, HR can implement platforms for informal communication, such as internal chat tools or virtual “watercooler” spaces where employees can engage in non-work-related conversations. These platforms help recreate the spontaneous interactions that are often missing in remote setups.
2. Inclusive Company Culture
A key aspect of community is inclusion—making sure that all employees, regardless of their location, role, or background, feel valued and included. HR professionals should ensure that all employees have equal access to information, opportunities, and resources, and that they feel comfortable sharing their perspectives.
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is also essential in creating an inclusive community. This involves creating a safe space where employees from diverse backgrounds feel respected and empowered to contribute to the company’s success.
3. Organising Virtual Team-Building Activities
Team-building doesn’t have to be confined to in-person events. Virtual team-building activities can be just as effective at fostering connections and building trust among employees. HR can organise virtual games, workshops, or even virtual coffee breaks where employees can interact in a more relaxed, informal setting.
These activities help break down barriers, allowing employees to get to know one another on a personal level. They also build camaraderie, which can lead to stronger collaboration and better team dynamics.
4. Encouraging Collaboration
Encouraging employee engagement is another effective way to build a strong workplace community. When employees from different teams work together on projects, they gain new perspectives, learn from each other, and develop stronger relationships.
HR can facilitate collaboration by promoting mentorship programs, creating project-based teams, or encouraging employees to share their knowledge and expertise through company-wide presentations or training sessions. This cross-functional collaboration fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
5. Prioritising Employee Wellbeing
Supporting employee wellbeing is crucial for building community, especially in remote or hybrid work environments where burnout and isolation are common concerns. HR should ensure that employees have access to mental health resources, flexible work options, and wellness programs that promote work-life balance.
Regular check-ins and surveys can help HR stay in tune with employee needs and address any wellbeing concerns early. When employees feel cared for and supported, they are more likely to feel connected to the company and their colleagues.
The Role of Leadership in Building Community
While HR plays a key role in building workplace community, leadership is equally important. Leaders set the tone for company culture and community-building efforts. It’s essential that managers and executives lead by example—actively participating in community-building initiatives, promoting open communication, and fostering an inclusive environment.
HR professionals should work closely with leaders to ensure they are aligned with community-building goals and equipped with the tools they need to support their teams effectively.
Conclusion: The HR-Led Approach to Community Building
As organisations continue to embrace remote and hybrid work models, building a strong sense of community has become more important—and more challenging—than ever. HR is at the forefront of these efforts, creating strategies that bring employees together, regardless of location, and foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and engagement.
By prioritising open communication, inclusivity, collaboration, and employee wellbeing, HR can help build a workplace community that not only supports business goals but also makes employees feel valued and connected. In the end, a strong community is the key to long-term success, both for employees and the organisation as a whole.