Bridging the Connection Gap: Why Work Feels More Disconnected Than Ever
We've never had more ways to communicate at work, yet many employees have never felt more disconnected. With hybrid working now firmly established, organisations are grappling with a new challenge: how do you build genuine human connection when work has become increasingly digital, transactional and fragmented?
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary Cullen are joined by Scott McInnes, Founder of Inspiring Change, to discuss the findings of his latest research report, Bridging the Connection Gap. Together they explore why workplace connection has become one of the biggest cultural challenges facing organisations today, what hybrid working has changed, and how leaders can intentionally create environments where people feel connected, engaged and able to do their best work.
From overloaded calendars and endless Teams meetings to generational differences, leadership capability and the unintended consequences of technology, the conversation examines what organisations need to rethink if they want connection to become a genuine competitive advantage rather than simply another HR buzzword.
Guest:
Topics include:
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Why workplace connection has become one of the biggest challenges facing modern organisations
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The findings from the Bridging the Connection Gap research report
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How hybrid working has changed relationships between employees and organisations
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Why busyness and back-to-back meetings are eroding meaningful connection
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The difference between digital communication and genuine human connection
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How technology can both enable and undermine workplace relationships
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The importance of intentional leadership in building connected teams
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Why managers need better support and development to lead effectively in hybrid environments
Key Takeaways for HR Leaders
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Connection is not a "nice to have"—it underpins trust, collaboration, wellbeing and performance.
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Hybrid working requires intentional design rather than simply asking people to return to the office.
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Busyness and constant digital communication are crowding out meaningful human interaction.
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Great workplace cultures are built through conversations, not surveys alone.
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Leaders and managers play a critical role in creating opportunities for genuine connection.
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Technology should support relationships, not replace them.
Resources Mentioned
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About The HR Room Podcast
The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR, where we speak with HR leaders, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work.
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