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The Power of Genuine Connections: Building Stronger Bonds in the Workplace

It’s no secret that the last several years have left us all reeling as we adapt to new ways of working and living. After spending so much time apart, we must be more intentional than ever about building and fostering connections and relationships with our family, friends, and work colleagues. Now, as we continue to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic, which has reshaped the way we work by blurring the boundaries between personal and professional lives, the importance of building connections in the workplace has become more apparent than ever before. Here are five simple, yet effective ways you can build connections at work and beyond: 1. Be Authentic What makes someone stand out from the crowd? It's authenticity. Authenticity is the secret sauce that adds flavor to your connections, making them compelling and long-lasting. Dare to be your true self, for authenticity attracts like-minded individuals and paves the way for honest conversations and shared experiences. Embrace your quirks, passions, and idiosyncrasies. It's genuine connections that stand the test of time. 2. Promote Trust Trust is the foundation upon which robust relationships are built. Trust, like a delicate plant, requires nurturing and care to flourish. Take the time to actively listen to your colleagues, offer a helping hand, and follow through on your commitments. When trust blooms, the work environment can truly grow. Trust ensures people feel comfortable sharing ideas, collaborating, and seeking guidance and help, leading to increased creativity and productivity. 3. Invest in the Power of Small Gestures Chances are you’ve heard the old adage, “It's the little things that matter.” In the realm of workplace connections, this couldn't be more appropriate. Small gestures have the power to brighten someone's day, create a ripple effect of positivity, and nurture camaraderie. A thoughtful note, a sincere compliment, or a simple act of kindness can leave an indelible mark, making someone feel valued and appreciated. Don't underestimate the impact of those seemingly insignificant gestures—they possess the power to transform workplace dynamics. Nothing is trivial when it comes to kindness. 4. Seek Common Ground Imagine working alongside a colleague who shares your passion for movies, sports, cooking, reading, thrifting, or any other of the endless possibilities of leisurely pursuits. Connecting over shared interests can bridge the gap between professional and personal spheres, creating an organic bond that extends beyond the confines of the office. Take the initiative to explore common ground, whether through team-building activities, after-work outings, or even casual conversations during the day. By nurturing connections beyond the office, you'll unlock a treasure trove of shared experiences that contribute to a vibrant and cohesive work culture. 5. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion In today's diverse workplace, fostering connections means celebrating and embracing our differences. Just as we advised embracing authenticity, by fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are not only heard but valued, we unlock the full potential of our teams. Embrace diversity by actively seeking out different opinions, engaging in open dialogue, and promoting an atmosphere of respect and understanding. In the post-pandemic world, building connections is an essential ingredient for success and well-being and goes a long way in helping people thrive at work. It enables us to overcome challenges, collaborate effectively, and support one another in times of uncertainty. When we prioritize connections, we unlock the potential for collective growth, resilience, and long-term personal and professional success.For more tips on how to reach your career goals, visit ManpowerGroup’s Career Resources.

How to Give Yourself a Professional Social Media Upgrade

The new year is a good time to clean up, tidy and organize –– which also goes for your professional social media footprint. Here is a checklist of items to pay attention to in your digital network. Overhaul and update LinkedInJust like offline networking, online networking shouldn’t just be about what you can gain from other people. It’s critical to create value for others and show what you can do, instead of just asking for favors. Be proactive and write a recommendation for others on LinkedIn, update with your current professional headshot and headline, include recent relevant projects and accomplishments, skills and volunteer work. Join Facebook groupsYou may think of Facebook as merely a place to keep up with the personal lives of friends and family. But recently, Facebook has actively boosted groups, which can be a place to join for both professional information and networking with new people. Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/feed/ or click on the groups tab to filter your news feed by groups and see suggested groups to join. This will help expand your network outside of people you currently know and can include career-focused information by being intentional with which groups you join. Find jobs on Instagram Just like Facebook, if you go beyond the surface of Instagram’s selfies and adventures, you can find a valuable source of professional information through hashtags and job listings. In this pursuit, actively use the search box instead of passively scrolling through your feed. For example, try searching “careers” to find job listing accounts from companies that have dedicated HR and recruitment accounts on Instagram. The network also makes it possible to follow hashtags like #careertips so they show up periodically in your feed. No matter which social media networks you use, the biggest shift to make a difference is to use them mindfully instead of mindlessly. Rather than letting an algorithm solely dictate your feed, consider your needs, goals and what you want to get out of visiting the site. Then take action accordingly. For more tips on how to reach your career goals, visit ManpowerGroup’s Career Resources.