Issue 25: Today’s Brew: More Than Colleagues — The Leadership Value of Real Connection at Work (Copy)
☕ Brewed for Leaders Who Care
Espresso & Empathy — Issue 25
By: Shannon Foster
Founder & Senior Consultant, Martin & Foster Consulting
August 20, 2025
Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
Team building used to mean off-site retreats, happy hours, or in-person brainstorming sessions. But today, many leaders are faced with a new challenge: how to foster connection when some employees are in the office and others are working remotely.
The truth is, strong teams don’t just happen because people share a workplace. They happen when leaders intentionally create moments of connection—whether in person, on a screen, or both.
Because connection is not about proximity. It’s about purpose, trust, and shared humanity.
The Risk of “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
Without intentional effort, hybrid teams can easily drift into silos. Remote employees may feel invisible, while on-site employees may carry the weight of “face time.” This dynamic erodes trust and engagement, often leaving leaders frustrated by disconnection.
Connection doesn’t just “happen” in a hybrid world—it has to be designed.
5 Ways to Build Stronger Hybrid Teams
Equalize the Experience
Prioritize Check-Ins, Not Just Checklists
Create Shared Rituals
Invest in Development Together
Be Present, Even Virtually
A Leadership Reflection
Ask yourself:
Do I make space for team connection, or do I only focus on tasks?
Do remote employees feel as visible and valued as in-office staff?
Have I created rituals or traditions that bind us together as one team?
Final Sip
Leaders who build connection intentionally create more than collaboration—they create community. And in today’s hybrid world, community is the glue that keeps performance, trust, and engagement strong.
When employees feel connected, they don’t just log in—they lean in.