The True Cost of Workplace Loneliness with Steven Van Cohen

Update: 2024-12-10

Description

In today’s episode, we dive into team connection, leadership, and actionable strategies to foster meaningful workplace relationships with Steven Van Cohen. Steven is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, leadership consultant, and expert on creating connected cultures in businesses. He’s worked with top companies like Home Depot, Salesforce, Bank of America, and Zoom to improve team well-being and boost employee engagement. He’s been featured in major publications such as CNBC, Forbes, and Fast Company, and today, he’s here to share strategies to strengthen workplace connections and overcome common obstacles that hinder engagement, ultimately helping you create a thriving online business.

Guest Introduction

Steven Van Cohen is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and the co-author of Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams from Isolated to All In. With over a decade of experience, Steven has helped organizations like Home Depot, Salesforce, and Zoom create connected cultures, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. His focus is on reducing loneliness, improving employee engagement, and fostering deep, authentic relationships within teams. He’s been featured in prominent outlets like CNBC, Forbes, and Fast Company and is a leading expert on workplace dynamics and leadership, skills that can be applied to any coaching or business leadership environment.

The True Cost of Workplace Loneliness - Key Takeaways

Loneliness is about the absence of connection, not people: Loneliness arises when the quality of our relationships doesn't meet our needs. It’s not about the number of people around us, but the depth of connection.
The importance of connection in the workplace: Disconnected employees are more likely to disengage, underperform, and quit. Loneliness at work impacts productivity, engagement, and retention.
Leaders play a key role in creating connection: As a business leader, it’s not about matchmaking but about creating environments where meaningful relationships can thrive. Leaders should set the tone and create opportunities for connection.
Small actions lead to big results: Small, intentional efforts, like team-building exercises or 10-minute check-ins, can have a significant impact on team connection and overall performance. These strategies also work for online coaching teams and businesses looking to scale.

Why Loneliness in the Workplace Matters

Loneliness affects more than just the individual: It impacts performance, engagement, and overall team dynamics. Disconnected employees are 7 times more likely to disengage and 5 times more likely to miss work due to stress.
Statistics on loneliness: 72% of employees feel socially disconnected monthly, and 55% feel it weekly. Disconnected teams perform 56% worse than connected ones.

The Leader’s Role in Addressing Workplace Loneliness

Creating opportunities for connection: As a business leader, your role isn’t to create friendships, but to create environments where trust and connection can thrive.
Small efforts matter: Simple, regular activities like icebreakers or “crush” exercises can significantly improve team morale and connection. These small steps can help build a community for your clients or business team.
Complacency is the enemy: Leaders must go beyond the basics and invest time, money, and effort into long-term connection-building strategies to scale their business and team dynamics effectively.

Effective Strategies for Building Connection

Weekly "Crush" Exercise:
A short, weekly activity where team members recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions.
Builds a culture of acknowledgment and makes everyone feel valued and seen.
Informal One-on-One Check-ins:
10-minute casual check-ins between leaders and team members to discuss progress, challenges, and how you can help.
Research shows these check-ins boost engagement by 66% and retention by 77%.

Overcoming Common Obstacles to Connection

The Myth of Big Events:
Many leaders think they need big events, like happy hours or off-sites, to create connection. In reality, small, consistent actions (like check-ins) are more effective for building community.
Virtual Teams:
Communication in virtual environments can become transactional, leading to isolation. Leaders need to intentionally create space for connection through active listening, empathy, and showing genuine interest.

Creating Connection in Virtual Teams

Intentional Connection:
Be proactive in creating space for emotional connection even in virtual meetings. Encourage eye contact, empathy, and active listening during your online meetings with clients or your team.
Balance with Technology:
While technology can help maintain communication, it can’t replace face-to-face connection. Use video calls strategically to foster connection without overwhelming your virtual coaching clients or team.

Key Quotes

“Loneliness isn’t defined by the absence of people; it’s defined by the absence of connection.”
“The quality of your connections is directly tied to how well your team performs.”
“Leaders need to invest time, money, and effort in creating opportunities for connection, and the return on that investment is huge.”
“You don’t need a big event to create connection; sometimes just a 10-minute check-in can make all the difference.”
“We are nothing without our connections. Do your best to be as connectable as you can.”