Five Insights from the Field
In building Bondboost, we spoke with People Ops, DEI, and HR leaders across industries to understand how workplace connection is built—or broken—in today’s hybrid environments. This research helps us design more thoughtfully and share what we’re learning with the broader community
1. Peer-Led Power
The most authentic moments—hobby meetups, parent chats—arise organically from shared interests and life stages, not corporate programs
2. Participation ≠ Inclusion
Opt-in events consistently attract the same groups, leaving out introverts, caregivers, and employees facing logistical or scheduling barriers
3. Tool Overload
More platforms ≠ more connection. In a work environment where attention is a limited resource, employees are increasingly overwhelmed
4. Managers Need Systemic Help
Relying on personal style or expectations set for individual managers makes connection inconsistent and fragile
5. Connection Doesn’t Auto-Scale
As organizations grow and become distributed, those outside major hubs or HQ often feel disconnected
Workplace Connections
Matter
Numerous academic and industry studies demonstrate that having friends at work is crucial for social and emotional wellbeing, job satisfaction, productivity and retention