Fixable 3 simple ways to build stronger relationships at work | from TED Talks Daily
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Dec 15, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Alyssa Birnbaum, an organizational psychologist dedicated to enhancing workplace connections, shares insights from her TEDx talk. She emphasizes that connection is crucial for reducing burnout and increasing engagement. Alyssa introduces three practical strategies—expand, overlap, and care—to strengthen relationships at work. She also highlights how video calls can foster the same quality of connection as in-person interactions, urging leaders to prioritize relationship-building to create a healthier work environment.
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Early Career Wake-Up Call
- Alyssa Birnbaum recounts her first job where flawless output still failed because she didn't connect with clients.
- Her boss told her the missing skill was building relationships, which she then struggled to learn for years.
Burnout Isn’t Only About Workload
- Burnout isn't just workload; it stems from feeling disrespected, unsupported, and disconnected.
- Social connection at work strongly influences engagement and well-being.
One Deep Connection Trumps Many Shallow Ones
- A single high-quality connection during the day boosts end-of-day engagement as much as many brief interactions.
- Quality, not quantity or duration, predicts feeling energized and engaged.