About this episode

Mike Coffey discusses the importance of rebuilding human connection in the workplace with guest Lee Colan.

In episode 242, Coffey talks with Lee Colan about rebuilding human connection in a technology-driven, hybrid workplace. They discuss the loneliness epidemic and its impact on employee wellbeing; differences between social isolation and emotional loneliness; remote work and the rise of frictionless digital experiences; Gallup and BetterUp data on workplace friendships and retention; the decline of socializing with coworkers outside work; practical rituals like high-low check-ins during meetings; the cultural effects of hybrid work and hot desking; personalization of workspaces to reinforce belonging; AI disruption of career paths and entry-level roles; the growing value of human-centered leadership skills; and a four-step model for building meaningful professional relationships. Lee Colan’s next book “The Connection Key: How to Unlock Your Positive Impact and Enhanced Wellbeing” releases in September. For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP242 Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks . For more information…

People in this episode

Host: Mike Coffey

Guest: Lee Colan

Topics covered

• human connection
• employee wellbeing
• loneliness epidemic
• hybrid workplace
• leadership skills
• workplace friendships

Keywords

• human connection
• employee wellbeing
• loneliness
• hybrid work
• leadership
• workplace culture

Sponsors

Imperative

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gallup, BetterUp

Products: The Connection Key: How to Unlock Your Positive Impact and Enhanced Wellbeing

More episodes of Good Morning, HR

• Why Most Interviews Fail And How To Fix Hiring Decisions with Jennifer Yugo · May 7, 2026 · 35 min
• How To Build HR Capability Before Problems Arise with Jenay Huey · April 23, 2026 · 51 min
• Helping Employees Lower Student Debt Burdens with Damon Thompson · April 16, 2026 · 43 min
• Skills-First Hiring Strategies For The AI-Enhanced Workforce with Michelle Sims · April 9, 2026 · 41 min
• People Strategy in Small and Medium Businesses with Kelly Price · April 2, 2026 · 46 min
• HR News: Can My Company Fine Me for Breaking Rules? with Patrick Richter · March 26, 2026 · 32 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Good Morning, HR podcast page.