In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of a connected workplace has become increasingly important. But what exactly is a connected workplace, and why does it matter? In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this phenomenon, exploring its definition, its importance, its core pillars, why employees are increasingly prioritizing it in their professional lives, and some of the best connected workplaces in Arizona.
What is a Connected Workplace?
A connected workplace is more than just a physical office space. It’s an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging, collaboration, and shared purpose. In a connected workplace, communication flows freely across all levels of the organization, breaking down silos and fostering transparency. Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating this connectivity, enabling remote work, seamless collaboration, and access to information anytime, anywhere.
The Importance of Connection in the Workplace
The connected workplace isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative for businesses in the digital age. Research has shown that organizations with highly connected employees are more innovative, productive, and resilient. By fostering a sense of community and shared values, companies can attract and retain top talent, drive employee engagement, and ultimately, achieve better business outcomes.
Workplace connection helps encourage employees to connect with their colleagues on a deeper level, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging. A more connected workplace promotes better collaboration, increased skill sharing, and meaningful relationships. Additionally, a connected workplace promotes open communication and transparency, allowing employees to voice their ideas and concerns freely. Ultimately, fostering workplace connection leads to increased employee engagement, job satisfaction, overall productivity, and a positive work environment.
Core Pillars of a Connected Workplace
Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a connected workplace. Whether it’s through face-to-face interactions, virtual team meetings, or messaging platforms, employees need to feel heard and informed. Clear channels of communication ensure that everyone is on the same page, leading to better decision-making and more connected teams.
Collaboration
Collaboration lies at the heart of a connected workplace. When employees can easily share ideas, work together on projects, and leverage each other’s strengths, innovation flourishes. Collaboration tools such as shared documents, project management software, and video conferencing platforms enable teams to work seamlessly across locations and time zones. Team building activities also get employees involved in a connected workplace.
Culture
A strong company culture is essential for building connections in the workplace. Culture encompasses values, beliefs, and behaviors that guide how employees interact with each other and with the organization as a whole. By fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity, and respect, companies can create a connected workforce where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work.
Technology
Technology acts as an enabler of connectivity in the modern workplace. From cloud-based productivity suites to enterprise social networks, technology platforms provide the infrastructure for communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Investing in the right tools and technologies is critical for keeping employees connected, especially in a hybrid or remote work environment.
Facilitating the Connected Workplace
Creating a connected workplace requires a concerted effort from both leaders and employees. Here are some strategies that businesses can employ to cultivate meaningful connections:
Lead by Example
Leaders set the tone for the organization’s culture and values. By demonstrating openness, transparency, and a willingness to listen, leaders can inspire trust and foster a sense of belonging among employees.
Provide Training and Development
Equip employees with the skills they need to thrive in a connected workplace. Offer training programs on communication, collaboration, and digital literacy to ensure that everyone can effectively leverage technology and work together towards common goals.
Promote Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
ERGs play a vital role in fostering inclusion and diversity within the workplace. These employee-led groups provide a platform for individuals with shared interests, backgrounds, or identities to connect, support each other, and drive positive change within the organization.
Encourage Flexibility
Embrace flexible work arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of employees. Whether it’s remote work options, flexible hours, or job-sharing arrangements, giving employees more control over how and where they work can enhance their sense of autonomy and well-being.
Why Employees Care About Connection in the Workplace
Employees are increasingly prioritizing connectivity in the workplace for several reasons:
Sense of Belonging
In a connected workplace, employees feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. They form meaningful connections with colleagues, share common goals, and take pride in their contributions to the organization’s success.
Opportunities for Growth
Collaboration and communication are essential for personal and professional growth. In a connected workplace, employees have access to mentors, resources, and opportunities for learning and development, allowing them to expand their skills and advance their careers.
Work-Life Balance
Remote work and flexible schedules enable employees to better balance their work commitments with their personal lives. By reducing commute times and offering more flexibility, businesses can support employees in achieving a healthier work-life balance, leading to greater job satisfaction and retention.
Inclusion and Diversity
A connected workplace values diversity and fosters inclusion. Employees from diverse backgrounds feel valued and respected, leading to a more creative and innovative workforce. ERGs play a crucial role in promoting diversity and creating a sense of belonging for all employees.
Best Connected Workplaces in Arizona
Now that you understand the pillars of a connected workplace and why employees care, let’s explore some of the top companies in Arizona.
Axon
Employees at Axon are a part of a strong community connected by the electric culture the company provides.
Axon champions individualism and an entrepreneurial mindset when tackling tasks, recognizing that the greatest achievements often stem from the freedom to take initiative. However, the company understands the power of teamwork, encouraging cross collaboration and uniting as a cohesive unit to achieve remarkable results through collaboration.
Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union is leading the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a workplace that fosters employee connection.
As part of its continued commitment to DEI, Desert Financial Credit Union is sponsoring a five-year research program through Filene Research Institute’s Center for Excellence. Led by Dr. Quinetta Roberson of Michigan State University, the project lays the foundation for credit unions to be able to measure their progress in achieving a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Check out opportunities at Desert Financial Credit Union.
Northern Trust
Northern Trust recognizes the interconnectedness of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This belief drives its commitment to fostering an environment where every individual is esteemed, bolstered, and appreciated, enabling their full participation in its collective achievements.
In alignment with its global business strategy and to enrich employees’ professional connections, Northern Trust endorses several business resource councils, also known as affinity groups, each guided by an executive advisor. These councils are initiated, governed, and steered by employees. Membership is open to all Northern Trust employees across its global divisions who resonate with the mission of the respective group.
See Northern Trust’s career opportunities.
WillScot Mobile Mini
WillScot Mobile Mini is dedicated to providing employees with growth opportunities.
The company provides a wide range of resources for both professional and personal development. Its Learning Hub offers a dynamic learning experience for all employees with a library of 6,000+ courses to provide continued learning and development. This Learning Hub equips employees with the professional skills they need to level up in the workplace.
Visit WillScot Mobile Mini’s careers page.
Workiva
Workiva, a technology company specializing in transparent reporting and compliance believes “We are better together.”
At Workiva, inclusion stands as a fundamental principle. The company is dedicated to cultivating a workplace where every individual feels empowered to bring their genuine selves to the table each day. Leadership nurtures an environment that promotes fairness, collaboration, and mutual respect among all team members. Embracing diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and interests, Workiva understands that this multiplicity is integral to driving innovation and achieving success. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion not only enhances employee engagement and satisfaction but also fosters a culture of empowerment throughout our organization.
Check out open roles at Workiva.
Find the Best Connected Workplaces with BCAZ
The connected workplace represents the future of work in the digital age. By prioritizing communication, collaboration, culture, and technology, businesses can create an environment where employees feel connected, engaged, and empowered to succeed. Investing in the connected workplace isn’t just good for employees — it’s good for business.
Visit BestCompaniesAZ to learn more about companies hiring in Arizona.
