Why connection still matters at work

Emails and messages alone can’t replace the human connections that fuel true productivity.

by Dean Melissa Perry

Picture a freezing winter morning in Vermont. I’m 14, delivering newspapers on an icy road, bundled up against the chill with a heavy satchel over my shoulder. My neighbors are up early, waiting for their papers, and when I’m late, their frustration is palpable. But with a quick smile and genuine connection, I smooth things over. Those early mornings taught me grit, empathy, and the importance of trust—qualities that continue to guide my leadership today.

As a university dean, I see the same need for connection, even in our fast-paced, digital world. It’s tempting to manage through quick taps on a screen, where emojis and read receipts replace face-to-face interactions. While I embrace tech for efficiency, I know that emails and messages alone can’t replace the human connections that fuel true productivity. Impact isn’t measured by clicks but by connections—like all-hands meetings, hallway conversations, and one-on-one chats. These interactions keep us engaged and thriving as a team.

Managing from "the palm of my hand"—through endless emails and notifications—often feels like a placebo for real human connection. My childhood paper route taught me that showing up and building trust matters, a lesson that’s only grown more relevant in our digital age, where some people go weeks without a real conversation.

The allure of managing from a digital control tower is hard to ignore. Hitting “send” is easy, but it’s not true communication. In our rush to respond instantly (or reply all), we lose the space for real problem-solving and strategic thinking. I’ll admit: I sometimes fall into this trap myself, relying on quick replies instead of deeper, more meaningful connections. It takes conscious effort to step back, refocus, and re-engage.

This isn’t just nostalgia for simpler days. Keeping human connections alive is essential for our teams’ well-being. Constant urgency without personal connection fuels stress, burnout, and disengagement.

Howard Gardner, in Five Minds for the Future, calls this approach the Ethical Mind: a way of thinking that prioritizes responsibility and integrity over convenience. Decisions should consider our impact on others, a reminder that human connection must come first—even in what often feels like a speed-of-light-driven world.

5 Strategies for Balancing Tech with Human Connection

Finding a balance between tech convenience and human-centered leadership is critical. Here are five strategies to foster a healthier, more productive approach:

1. Lead with Values: Following Gardner’s Ethical Mind, lead with empathy and responsibility. Foster a culture where choices are guided by values, not just speed.
    
2. Prioritize Face-to-Face Communication: Distinguish between urgent and non-urgent issues. For complex discussions, encourage in-person or video interactions to reinforce connections and reduce misunderstandings.
    
3. Set Aside Deep Work Blocks: Dedicate time for uninterrupted, deep work to encourage strategic thinking and creativity. A break from constant notifications allows focus on what truly matters.
    
4. Reward Human Connection: Choose in-person or video meetings for sensitive matters to build empathy and understanding—critical for a positive, supportive work environment. Reward by recognizing your team members’ efforts. This could be through collaborative problem-solving, organizing informal team gatherings, or mentoring a newer team member. By celebrating these actions, you reinforce the importance of relational skills alongside traditional performance metrics.
    
5. Model Work-Life Boundaries: Demonstrate a balanced approach to digital communication by setting clear boundaries. For instance, avoid sending non-urgent emails outside of business hours and encourage your team to disconnect after work. By modeling healthy boundaries, you show that well-being and presence in both personal and professional spaces are valued, fostering a more mindful work culture.

Conclusion

Managing from the palm of our hands may be a modern necessity, but it can’t replace the interpersonal and ethical skills essential to effective leadership. We must model a balanced approach, creating workplaces that are productive, humane, and mentally healthy. Just as my paper route taught me the power of trust, today I see these same lessons guiding me through the complexities of modern leadership.