In today’s world of Zoom meetings and Slack chats, it’s hard to feel really connected to the people we interact with day in and day out. While technology has changed how we work together, it has also created a challenge: how do we stay genuinely connected?
This disconnect makes it harder to understand each other, to really get where someone else is coming from. At The Sound, this isn’t just a workplace problem—it’s a fundamental challenge that affects how we do our best work. And this lack of connection is contributing to a larger issue: the loneliness epidemic.
The Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling, it’s a full-blown health crisis. The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, is sounding the alarm. He says that feeling isolated and disconnected can make you way more likely to have serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and dementia*. That’s scary stuff, and it reminds us just how much we need each other.
The workplace isn’t immune to the effects of the loneliness epidemic. When we’re lonely, we’re less likely to connect, collaborate, and have empathy for our colleagues.
The Power of Human Connection
Here at The Sound, we know that to deliver the best insights and strategies, we need to be genuinely connected—to each other, and to the world.
Our work is all about understanding people—their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. We dive deep into people’s lives to uncover insights that help brands connect with their audiences.
Building connections isn’t just about creating a friendly atmosphere—it’s about nurturing a space where empathy and creativity can thrive. When we practice building connections with each other, we strengthen our empathy skills. This “flexing” of our empathy muscles helps us build deeper connections with and understanding of the people we seek to study.
This deeper understanding translates into more authentic and impactful insights for our clients.
Fighting Loneliness with ‘Humans of The Sound’
To tackle the loneliness epidemic and strengthen our team’s connections, we launched ‘Humans of The Sound’.
This monthly, 10-minute series right after our Town Hall meetings gives Sounders a chance to know each other a little better. Each session spotlights a Sounder sharing a slice of their life outside work, interviewed by a fellow Sounder. From hobbies and travel tales to hidden talents, each story invites us into each other’s rich worlds.
Participation is voluntary and low-pressure and inspired by practices from the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office. And it’s our unique way to build empathy and fuel our curiosity.
Already, we’ve been blown away by tales of sailing the high seas, crafting pottery with wood fire, mastering multiple languages, a secretive past life in foreign intelligence, and a PhD thesis on race and media. And we’re just getting started. There are so many more incredible stories and topics to explore.
The goal is simple yet profound: nurture human connections and keep our team spirit thriving. Sharing our stories builds empathy and strengthens our community, translating into more impactful work for our clients. By connecting deeply within our team, we sharpen our ability to understand and resonate with the people we study, leading to richer, more powerful insights.
Why This Matters to Our Work (And Yours!)
For us at The Sound, being more human isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about doing better work for our clients. Here’s how it impacts our projects with you:
- Stronger Collaboration: A connected team is a powerhouse. When we build strong internal connections, we foster trust and open communication. This seamless flow enables us to combine our skills and perspectives more effectively, ensuring we deliver comprehensive, well-rounded solutions. The stronger our internal bonds, the more efficient and innovative our teamwork, leading to better results for you.
- Creative Boost: Sharing personal stories sparks our creative juices. When we know and understand each other on a personal level, we create a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and out-of-the-box thinking. These connections fuel innovative ideas, allowing us to develop more dynamic and original strategies for your brand.
- Deeper Insights: When we connect on a human level, we sharpen our empathy and understanding. By flexing our empathy muscles internally, we become better at understanding diverse perspectives and experiences.. Resulting in insights that are not just accurate, but that resonate deeply with your audience.
Share Your Story
We’re excited about this journey towards deeper human connections. How do you keep things human in your workplace? We’d love to hear your stories and learn from each other!
Written By:
Jacqueline Flavin
Jackie is an insatiably curious researcher on a mission to find truth. Energized by complex problems, she thoughtfully connects dots to deliver meaningful insights that drive impact. Equipped with a unique blend of experience fielding qualitative and quantitative research, Jackie is adept at integrating and bending various research methods. She holds an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, specializing in Strategy and Marketing.
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