The average professional spends countless hours at work, yet many still struggle with isolation, disconnection, and burnout. At the same time, research continues to show that strong workplace relationships are essential not only for individual well-being, but also for team effectiveness and organizational success. For leaders, creating a culture of connection is no longer optional — it’s a business imperative that directly influences engagement, performance, and retention.

We’re excited to welcome Jessica Grossmeier as our host and presenter for this 90-minute interactive virtual session. Jessica has spent her career translating the science of human thriving into practical strategies that help people bring their full energy and capability to work. With experience as a research leader, consultant, and CEO of her own advisory practice, she brings a unique blend of research depth and real-world application. Her book, Well At Work, and her extensive body of published work reflect a clear through line in her expertise: understanding how culture, leadership, relationships, and meaning at work shape well-being and performance.

In this session, Jessica will guide us through the science of workplace connection and its impact on leadership, teams, and organizational culture. Together, we’ll explore why investing in relationships is one of the most powerful ways to support sustained performance and healthier workplaces. Participants will gain a practical framework and actionable strategies that can be used in the flow of daily work — without adding more to already full calendars.

Attendees will leave with concrete ways to strengthen existing workplace relationships, spark new ones, and create more connected team environments. We’ll also examine organizational practices and workplace design choices that help foster cultures of connection, creating conditions where people and teams can truly thrive.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the business case for investing in workplace relationships and their impact on employee well-being and organizational performance.

2. Apply a practical framework for fostering more meaningful connections in the flow of everyday work.

3. Demonstrate specific behaviors and interpersonal skills that strengthen existing workplace relationships and create new ones.