In episode 390 of the Workplace Innovator podcast, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Tracy Brower, PhD, vice president of workplace insights at Steelcase, where she conducts research on community, happiness, and the future of work and life. They discuss Tracy’s new book, “Critical Connections: Build Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life,” where she shares new insights on connection. With 50% of people globally experiencing loneliness and record levels of depression and anxiety, Tracy believes the workplace can provide a sense of stability and identity for the workforce. In fact, research shows that proximity and presence can increase performance and knowledge sharing among employees, and leaders should be intentional about creating cultures that support connections and community.
Agenda
- Exploring how organizations can foster connections to improve well-being and performance
- Understanding the role of proximity and presence in knowledge sharing and collaboration
- Identifying strategies for creating cultures that support community and connection
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: The workplace provides stability and identity in an uncertain world
“The workplace is actually really important. It gives us a sense of stability, a center of gravity. All the things are happening. But we get up in the morning, and we show up at work, whether we’re showing up virtually or in person, we have things to do. There are people counting on us. That gives us a really good sense of stability,” Tracy explains.
In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, many people are overwhelmed by constant change and disruption. The workplace serves as an anchor, providing not just structure and purpose but also a source of identity. Tracy notes that we get a sense of identity from our connections and the value we bring to others who count on us.
It’s becoming especially important as AI shifts how we work and what we work on, prompting us to rethink our contributions and professional identity.
Workplace leaders should recognize that the office is more than just a place to work, she says. It’s a stabilizing force that gives employees meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging during challenging times.
Takeaway 2: Proximity and presence create measurable performance benefits
“There’s really interesting research that there’s a spillover effect in performance. When we’re sitting within 25 feet of a top performer, our performance increases by 15%. Or, if we’re sitting within 65 feet of other people, there’s a measurable knowledge spillover,” Tracy shares.
Tracy emphasizes that this benefits not just the organization but employees themselves, who gain learning opportunities and feel greater esteem from doing excellent work.
She wants leaders to balance flexibility with the strategic value of bringing people together. Creating spaces and cultures that honor both autonomy and connection isn’t contradictory. It’s essential for maximizing performance, learning, and engagement.
Takeaway 3: Creating gathering places fosters real relationships and well-being
“When cities and communities have more gathering places, that is, places where people gather like parks, park benches, restaurants, coffee shops, yoga studios, community centers, libraries, when cities have more gathering places, people are more likely to report they have friends, and less likely to report they don’t have friends,” Tracy reveals, drawing a direct parallel to the workplace.
Research shows that infrastructure that supports connection leads to greater well-being and happiness. The workplace is fundamentally a gathering place where people work on projects together, solve problems around whiteboards, and connect in work cafes or central spaces. Tracy notes that 75% of people make their friends at work and having two or three close friends is highly correlated with health outcomes.
She hopes workplace leaders think intentionally about creating gathering places within their organizations. Whether it’s city centers, neighborhoods, enclaves, or urban parks in office design terms, these spaces enable both planned and spontaneous connections. The result is stronger relationships, greater social capital, and improved organizational citizenship where people follow through and do the right thing.
Workplace management insights
- The workplace can serve as a source of stability and identity during uncertain times.
- Proximity improves performance, with measurable benefits when employees work near high performers.
- Gathering places in the office foster authentic relationships and connections among colleagues.
- Social capital increases when organizations intentionally build cultures that support community.
- Flexibility and strategic in-person collaboration aren’t mutually exclusive priorities.
- Half of all people globally experience loneliness and need more connection.
- Place is one of the most visible artifacts of an organization’s culture.
- Leaders should reinforce employees’ value and contributions during periods of change.
Explore the full library of Workplace Innovator podcast episodes for an in‑depth look at workplace insights.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiXinKZ9TUg&list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J&index=1
