The Role of Community

When we think about what makes companies thrive, we often focus on strategy and innovation, the things that drive performance and the bottom line, but one of the most powerful levers for long-term success often goes unappreciated: community.

A strong sense of community within a company is more than just employee satisfaction. It strengthens relationships, which is important because it’s hard to work against people you know and respect. It builds trust, making collaboration and cross-team dependencies easier. It fuels transparency, which improves the flow of knowledge.

All of this adds up to a culture that’s more effective, innovative and connected. While it may be tempting for executives to focus solely on quarterly performance, intentionally investing in community building - shaping the company’s culture - can pay off in ways that compound over time.

All of this adds up to a culture that’s more effective, innovative and connected.

What Does Community Look Like at Work?

In its simplest form, community is about connection. It’s the network of relationships, shared experiences and collective understanding that bind people together within an organization. Here’s why it matters:

• Breaking Down Silos: Community fosters connections between people who might not otherwise cross paths. These relationships improve information flow, reduce misunderstandings and help align efforts across teams. When people know each other they’re more likely to collaboratenand less likely to work at cross-purposes.


• Sharing Best Practices: Communities create a venue for sharing knowledge and standardizing approaches. For instance, when teams in different departments share how they develop mobile apps, the entire organization benefits from consistent quality and efficiency.


• Mentorship and Learning: Communities bridge gaps between junior and senior employees, creating opportunities for informal mentorship. A junior developer might learn career lessons from a senior engineer or a new manager might gain insights from a seasoned leader.


• Recognition and Appreciation: Public recognition is a powerful motivator and community provides natural opportunities for it. Whether it’s a shoutout in a team meeting, a Kudos note in a shared workspace, or an awards event, these moments build goodwill and a sense of belonging.

• Finding Expertise: A strong community makes it easier to locate the right person for the job. Whether you need help designing a UX flow or drafting an agreement, knowing who’s good at what becomes far more accessible.


• Clarifying Roles and Expectations: Communities help define what it means to hold a particular role within the company. For instance, “What does it mean to be a Product Manager here?” becomes easier to answer when people in similar roles connect and share experiences.


• Fostering Belonging: Feeling part of a community contributes to job satisfaction, a sense of purpose and loyalty to the company’s mission. Employees who feel connected are less likely to leave, reducing turnover costs.


• Encouraging Innovation: Diverse perspectives within a community create fertile ground for creative problem-solving. When people with different skills and experiences collaborate, the results can be groundbreaking.


• Strengthening Culture: Communities reinforce the company’s values and help align expectations across teams. They act as a living embodiment of what the company stands for, making the culture more than just words on a page.

How to Build Community at Work

Building community doesn’t happen overnight, but small, intentional efforts can make a big difference. Here are a few practical steps to get started:

• Create Shared Spaces for Connection: Events like lunch-and-learns, brown bag talks or even informal coffee chats give employees a chance to connect and share ideas. An events calendar that’s accessible to everyone can help these gatherings feel open and inclusive.


• Celebrate Wins and Contributions: A recognition system, such as kudos or shoutouts, makes it easy to highlight and celebrate the work people are doing. Public acknowledgment, even for small wins, helps people feel seen and valued.


• Foster Role-Based Communities: Groups based on shared roles or interests - like a Product Managers’ Guild or a Developers’ Roundtable - provide a space for employees to connect over common challenges and opportunities. These communities help spread best practices and clarify expectations.


• Encourage Skill Sharing: A skills catalog that lets employees showcase their expertise makes it easier for others to find the help they need. It also fosters a sense of pride and recognition for individual talents.


• Give Employees a Voice: Surveys and polls can give employees a way to share feedback and ideas, creating a sense of agency and inclusion. Community isn’t just about talking, it’s about listening too.


• Make People Visible: Profiles that include not just names and titles but also hobbies, interests and expertise help employees connect on a human level. Knowing a colleague shares your love of cycling or enjoys the same podcasts can spark conversations that build relationships.

Focusing on community isn’t just good for employees, it’s good for business. When employees feel connected, valued and empowered, they’re more engaged and productive. They’re also more likely to advocate for the company externally, enhancing its reputation as a great place to work. And the reduction in turnover costs, coupled with the benefits of better collaboration and innovation, directly impacts the bottom line.

So, while it’s tempting to prioritize short-term goals, building community is an investment in the long-term health of your organization. It’s about creating an environment where people thrive, because when they do, so does the company.

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Our mission is to empower organizations by fostering cultures of clarity and transparency, engagement and collaboration. Through innovative tools, best practices and partnership with leaders, we strive to unlock the competitive advantages inherent in healthy organizations.