Fostering Connectivity: Encouraging Workplace Attachments

As we continue to adapt to the post-pandemic work landscape, the ways we connect with our workspace and with each other—are evolving. With hybrid work becoming the norm, understanding attachment in the workplace is more important than ever. Originally a foundational concept in psychology used to describe emotional bonds between people (such as infants and caregivers), attachment offers a fascinating lens to explore how we feel connected to our environments across both physical and digital spaces.

Our audience represents a cross-section of our society—individuals navigating an ever-changing landscape of in- person and virtual interactions. We’re curious about how these experiences shape workplace attachment. As the world changes rapidly, so do the levers of social cohesion. This research aims to provide a snapshot into these shifts, allowing us to observe and analyze a unique moment in time.

The goal of this study is to uncover what drives psychological attachment in the workplace, particularly within hybrid teams. Factors like roles, team demographics, organizational structures, and the nature of work all play a role in how attachments are formed and sustained.

Research consistently shows that when employees feel secure, supported, and valued, they don’t just perform better—they thrive. This sense of attachment benefits not only individuals but also drives organizational success. Today’s multi-generational workforce, shaped by economic and social forces, brings a wider range of values and working styles than ever before:

• Baby Boomers value structure, in-person collaboration, and established hierarchies.
• Gen X prioritizes flexibility and autonomy.
• Millennials seek purpose-driven environments with strong community and growth opportunities.
• Gen Z thrives in tech-integrated spaces and emphasizes work-life balance.

Recognizing these generational differences goes beyond surface-level preferences. It’s about creating space for the nuanced ways people experience a rapidly evolving world while identifying common ground that unites us. Each generation’s perspective is shaped by its unique journey through cultural, historical, and technological shifts, and together, they contribute to a constantly renewing social contract. By honoring these differences, organizations can design environments that respect diverse experiences while fostering shared purpose and cohesion.

Through our discussions and surveys, we’ve found that workplace attachment is not defined by styles but rather shaped by scenarios and interconnected dimensions. These dimensions are rich and complex, offering insights into how people experience connections in the workplace. Social connections (emotional intelligence) emerge as the most influential, followed by physical environment (place awareness) and finally the normative influences (social contract). These dimensions don’t exist in silos; they interact in nuanced ways to shape how attachments are formed and nurtured.

These attachment dimensions serve as a powerful touchstone for designing people-centered solutions that invite reflections, address of current needs and long-term aspirations. By understanding how these dimensions interplay, organizations can create thoughtful strategies and policies that address the human side of work. Whether through workspace design, organizational practices, or digital tools, these insights empower teams to foster connection, cohesion, and belonging.

Ultimately, this research reminds us that fostering attachment in the workplace is like nurturing any meaningful relationship, it requires consistent awareness and intentionality. By understanding the levers that drive connections and taking an active role in engaging with the challenges of a rapidly evolving work landscape, organizations can cultivate stronger bonds. This foundation of trust and belonging creates a culture where teams feel supported to innovate, experiment, and thrive.

Meet the Research Team