Building community in the workplace: 15 Ideas for a connected team

Building community in the workplace is more than a trend, it’s a proven way to boost engagement, well-being and productivity. Employees are more likely to collaborate, support one another and bring their best selves to work when they feel connected. If you’re looking for practical ways to foster stronger connections, these 15 community-building ideas can help your team thrive.

Why building community in the workplace matters

A strong sense of community at work doesn’t just support social well-being, but also mental, emotional and even physical health. When people feel they belong, they’re more resilient, engaged and open to new challenges.

At Optum Workplace Well-being, we see every day how intentional efforts to build community in the workplace can transform teams, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and included.

15 workplace community ideas to try

Strengthening workplace connections starts with intentional actions. Here are 15 simple, yet powerful, ideas to bring your team closer together:

1. Host regular team socials
   Casual gatherings — whether in-person or virtual — give employees a chance to connect outside of work tasks. These can be as simple as coffee chats, themed lunches or after-work socials.
2. Volunteer together
   Organize group-volunteering days or support local causes as a team. Shared experiences outside the office strengthen bonds and give back to the broader community.
3. Launch a peer-recognition program
   Create opportunities for employees to recognize each other’s achievements. Peer-to-peer appreciation builds trust and makes everyone feel seen.
4. Start interest-based clubs
   Book clubs, running groups or hobby circles let employees connect over shared interests, fostering friendships that extend beyond job roles.
5. Encourage cross-department collaboration
   Mix up teams for projects, brainstorming sessions or problem-solving workshops. Breaking down silos helps people learn from each other and appreciate different perspectives.
6. Celebrate milestones and wins
   Take time to acknowledge team and individual accomplishments — big or small. Celebrations, even informal ones, boost morale and reinforce a sense of belonging.
7. Create a memory wall
   Invite team members to share positive memories or shout-outs on a communal wall or digital board. Visual reminders of shared successes foster pride and unity.
8. Offer small group fitness or wellness sessions
   Wellness activities, like yoga and mindfulness breaks, can also serve as community-building moments. Small-group formats encourage interaction and mutual support.
9. Organize team-building games
   Simple activities like “Human Knot,” “Emoji Check-in” or “Team Juggle” can break the ice and build trust quickly without the need for extensive planning.
10. Designate spaces for connection
    Even small areas can become energy centers for social interaction, relaxation or movement. Thoughtful space design can encourage spontaneous conversations and opportunities to recharge.
11. Rotate meeting hosts
    Let different team members lead meetings. This practice gives everyone a voice and helps people appreciate each other’s leadership styles.
12. Encourage open communication
    Regular check-ins, feedback sessions and open forums help employees share ideas and concerns, building a culture of psychological safety and mutual respect.
13. Celebrate diversity and inclusion
    Recognize and honor the unique backgrounds and perspectives within your team. Inclusive celebrations and learning opportunities help everyone feel valued.
14. Gamify team challenges
    Friendly competitions like step challenges or trivia contests can inject fun into the workday and bring people together around shared goals.
15. Support mentoring and buddy systems
    Pair new hires with experienced team members or set up peer-mentoring opportunities. These formative relationships help accelerate employee integration and foster a culture of support.

Building community in the workplace: strategies for lasting impact

Building community in the workplace isn’t just about isolated events, it’s about creating an environment where connection is part of daily life. Here are a few ways to make these efforts sustainable:

• Involve leadership in community-building activities. When leaders participate, it signals that connection is an organizational priority.
• Offer a variety of options, including social gatherings and wellness initiatives, so everyone can find a way to participate that resonates with them.
• Make inclusivity central to every activity, ensuring all employees feel welcome, regardless of role or location.

As you implement these ideas, remember that small, consistent actions often have the biggest impact. When people feel connected, they’re more likely to support each other and contribute to a positive, resilient workplace culture.

Bringing community to life with Optum Workplace Well-being

At Optum Workplace Well-being, we believe that building community in the workplace is essential for whole-person health. By weaving connection into the fabric of your organization, you can create a place where employees thrive together.

Ready to build a more connected, resilient team? Optum Workplace Well-being can help explore solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. Contact us today.