In an era where hybrid and remote work have transformed the way we interact with colleagues and workplaces, the importance of building strong communities in office environments has never been greater. Insights from the Little BIG Foundation’s recent Good Work Report reveal just how essential social connection is to tenant wellbeing and satisfaction.

The Loneliness Epidemic in Offices

Loneliness in workplaces is not just a personal struggle; it is a growing issue that affects productivity, engagement, and overall mental health. Individuals in their first year of employment with a new organisation or in a building for less than two years are significantly more likely to experience loneliness. Nearly 88% of respondents valued opportunities for social connection, such as building events and programmes, underscoring the demand for initiatives that bring people together.

Connection is Key

Fostering a sense of community in the workplace isn’t just about employee happiness; it directly benefits businesses and landlords. The report highlighted that after a year of participating in the Good Work programme, satisfaction with a building’s sense of community increased from 19% to 49%. These numbers are a testament to how thoughtful, intentional community-building efforts can transform an office environment into a hub of collaboration and belonging.

What Works: Insights from the Good Work

Here are some of the most impactful strategies identified:

• Food and Drink Experiences: Activities like tastings, cooking classes, and cultural food celebrations were the most engaging for tenants. Food brings people together, creating natural opportunities to connect and collaborate.
• Strategic Timing: The late afternoon, particularly between 3 PM and 5 PM, was the preferred window for social events. These sessions align with employees’ rhythms, offering a refreshing break and fostering connections when people are most open to engagement.
• Inclusive Celebrations: Events that highlight diversity, such as International Women’s Day or Lunar New Year, resonate strongly with tenants and create a sense of belonging.
• Building on Popular Days: With Tuesday and Thursday being the most attended office days, scheduling events during these times can maximise participation.

Why This Matters

As mental health becomes a growing priority for workplaces, property managers and landlords have a unique opportunity to make a difference. By providing spaces and programs that nurture connection, they not only address loneliness but also enhance tenant satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty. This work also aligns with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, which increasingly measure the social impact of properties. Program’s like Good Work, which go beyond tenant events and focus on connection, wellbeing and loneliness reduction help businesses meet fiduciary commitments while making a tangible difference in the lives of their tenants.

The Future of Community-Building

The Good Work Report reminds us that community is not just a “nice-to-have” feature of office life; it is essential. By creating inclusive, vibrant spaces where people feel connected, we’re not just enhancing workplace wellbeing—we’re building the foundations of a healthier, more collaborative society.

At the Little BIG Foundation, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this mission. Through Good Work and other initiatives, we aim to show that when people connect, extraordinary things happen.