Restoring Human Connection In An Overly Digitalized World

GLG Insights | Veronica Grigoletto | July 8, 2025

As technology becomes more embedded in our daily routines, the way people connect, both at work and beyond, is shifting. Digital tools have made communication faster and more efficient, but they’ve also created new challenges for building meaningful relationships. This is especially true as remote and hybrid work models become the norm.

At the same time, rising global anxiety and ongoing political and social unrest are making it even harder for people to feel grounded and connected. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 3 adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. 

Globally, more than 300 million people are currently living with an anxiety disorder, according to the World Health Organization. These numbers have remained high in recent years, highlighting how emotional strain has become a consistent part of daily life for many people worldwide. With everything happening, from economic uncertainty to political polarization, people are carrying that emotional weight into their workdays.

This isn’t just a personal wellness issue. It’s becoming a business one, too.

The Cost of Digital Efficiency

While messaging apps, emails, and video conferencing make it easier to reach colleagues, they can also strip away nuance, spontaneity, and real-time emotional cues. Work relationships that once included casual conversations and informal collaboration are often reduced to status updates and project deadlines.

Over time, this shift can lead to team fatigue, decreased psychological safety, and reduced trust. Employees may complete their tasks, but without a strong human connection, engagement begins to decline.

Why Connection Matters at Work

Human connection is more than just a social benefit. Teams that communicate effectively, trust one another, and feel socially supported tend to be more innovative, resilient, and productive. 

According to Gallup, 1 in 5 employees worldwide say they felt lonely “a lot” the previous day, and among remote workers, 25% report high levels of loneliness, compared to 16% of on-site employees. When employees feel isolated or overlooked, retention drops and workplace satisfaction suffers.

This matters even more now, as global uncertainty and public anxiety levels continue to climb. Whether it’s political division, economic pressure, or social unrest, employees aren’t leaving their emotional state at the door—they’re bringing it to every meeting, every Slack message, and every project deadline.

Building a More Connected Culture: Four Focus Areas

1. Normalize In-Person or Real-Time Interaction

When possible, encourage periodic in-person collaboration or synchronous connection. Whether through leadership retreats, quarterly meetups, or hybrid team-building, shared experiences create stronger bonds.

2. Make Space for Informal Communication

Create intentional opportunities for non-task-based conversations. That could mean adding time for open dialogue in team meetings or hosting informal check-ins that aren’t tied to deliverables.

3. Support Community Outside of Work

Organizations that encourage connection outside of core work tasks often see stronger loyalty. Highlight employee-led initiatives, provide volunteer opportunities, or support interest-based groups to help people feel seen as whole individuals.

4. Train Leaders to Foster Belonging

Managers play a key role in building connected teams. Equip them with tools and practices that help them recognize signs of disconnection, model inclusive behaviors, and support relationship-building within their teams.

Life Beyond Work: Connection is Strategic

The most successful organizations understand that people bring their full selves to work, and that connection, trust, and community are essential to performance. Supporting employee well-being isn’t just about individual care, it’s about building systems that prioritize belonging and shared purpose.

We help leaders build cultures where connection is intentional. Through organizational strategy, leadership development, and cross-team engagement planning, we support companies that want to strengthen their teams from the inside out.

Want to create a more connected and resilient workplace?
Visit glassladdergroup.com or reach out to connect with our team. We’re here to help you bring people back to the heart of your business.