Community: The culture glue you might be missing

Wired for connection, even at work

The need to feel part of something doesn’t switch off at work. In fact, feeling like you belong at work is just as important for your mental wellbeing as feeling connected to friends and family.

That’s why building connection and community into your wellbeing strategy is one of the most powerful steps you can take as a People leader.

When people are part of a supportive team or workplace, they feel safer and more secure. They’re more likely to speak up, reach out for help, and know they’ll be heard. That kind of environment does more than just support mental health – it helps people thrive.

It also reminds people that what they do matters. Being part of a team with shared goals can boost self-worth and give employees a stronger sense of purpose day to day.

And from a business point of view, a connected team collaborates better, supports each other through tough patches, and celebrates wins together. It makes resilience stronger and burnout less likely, because no one’s going it alone.

The cost of disconnect

Without strong social connections, isolation can creep in – and it’s no different at work.

Employees who lack meaningful relationships at work are 3.5 times more likely to feel isolated, which can take a big toll on mental health.

It’s even more of a challenge for teams that are remote, hybrid or spread out across locations. Working alone or from home might suit some, but it can also make it harder to feel part of the bigger picture.

That’s why it’s so important not to assume everyone’s fine. As many as 1 in 5 global workers feel lonely at work. So even if you think your culture’s covered, it’s worth taking a closer look.

"Community is at the heart of good mental health. It's one of the most powerful influences.

When we feel connected, supported and part of something bigger than ourselves, it builds resilience and a sense of belonging. We all thrive when we feel connected and seen.

That's why this year's mental health awareness focus on community couldn't be more timely. It reminds us that organisational wellbeing isn't built in isolation, but through the relationships and environments we create together. Our workplaces, whether that's homebased or in the office isn't just a place to do a job, it's a community.

Let's keep building environments where colleagues feel safe, valued and genuinely connected."

- Karl Bennett, Wellbeing Advisor at Perkbox

Small moments – big impact

When it comes to creating connection at work, it’s the small, consistent moments that really matter.

Regular check-ins and 1-to-1s help people stay in sync and make it easier to spot when someone might be struggling. Peer mentoring adds another layer of support, giving employees the chance to connect while growing in their roles.

Creating space to talk about mental health – whether through managers, wellbeing groups, or an EAP – helps build resilience and gives people access to support they can trust.

But it’s not all about structured support. Social events outside of work give people a chance to connect in a more relaxed way. Just make sure the activity suits everyone – after all, not everyone’s idea of fun is shouting over each other in a packed pub! Mix it up so no one feels left out.

And for teams that are remote, hybrid, or spread across locations, that sense of connection takes a little more work. In-person meetups and regular virtual moments can go a long way in keeping everyone feeling part of the same team.

Recognition creates connection

Celebrating wins, no matter how big or small, does wonders for building a positive vibe at work.

Giving someone a shoutout for a job well done helps people feel like they truly belong, like their work is valued. And the sense of pride they feel fuels the drive to keep pushing for more.

Making recognition part of your everyday routine is easier than you might think. Peer-to-peer recognition tools help build the habit – creating a simple, uplifting way to show appreciation and let people know they’re genuinely valued, day in and day out.

Community is powerful — especially when it comes to mental and financial wellbeing.

When someone is dealing with financial stress, they often retreat. They cancel plans. Go quiet in group chats. Withdraw from their team. Not because they don’t care — but because they’re worried about judgement. That isolation only makes things harder.

So, what can HR leaders do right now to make a difference?

• Start with proactive, genuine check-ins. A simple one-to-one can become a lifeline when it’s done with empathy and real curiosity.
• Demystify the support available. People can’t ask for help they don’t know exists — so make it easy to find, easy to understand, and easy to access.
• Normalise the conversation. Use team meetings to talk openly about mental health and wellbeing. The more we talk, the less taboo it becomes.

"Connection is everything. By staying present and supportive, you can help someone shift from silently struggling to actively supported — and from surviving to thriving."

- Nat Jutla, Head of Financial Wellbeing & Workplace Strategy at Perkbox