Have you ever sat in a meeting or at your desk, surrounded by colleagues, yet felt completely alone? You're not the only one. Studies show that over 69% of employees are feeling unsatisfied with social connections in the workplace. On this Workplace Mental Health Day, we’re reflecting on how important human connection is – not just for productivity, but for our wellbeing. This is where Common Strangers comes in, a concept we launched recently that aims to foster connection – over a simple cup of coffee.
The power of connection
Human beings are wired for connection. Whether it's a quick chat in the breakroom or collaborating on a project, these small moments of interaction give us a sense of belonging. However, modern work environments, especially in hybrid or remote settings, often lack the natural opportunities for informal conversation. We can be working near others and still feel alone. This isolation can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, burnout, and a sense of detachment from both the work and our peers.
Enter Common Strangers, a concept designed to combat that feeling of disconnect by bringing people together over coffee. We've all experienced the comfort that a coffee break brings. Now imagine adding a layer of human connection to that experience – meeting someone new, engaging in meaningful conversation, and forming bonds that transcend workplace titles or daily tasks.
A sip of connection: how it works
We recently launched Common Strangers in collaboration with Tribe Yoga, and the response was incredible. The concept is simple yet powerful: grab a coffee and connect with someone you don’t know before you take your first sip. It’s a small challenge but one that pushes people out of their comfort zone in the best way possible.
At our first event with Tribe Yoga, we saw first-hand how these moments of connection can spark meaningful relationships. One participant shared; “I’ve been coming to the studio for a while, but never spoken to some of the people I met today. It was nice to connect beyond the quick hello.” Watching strangers share stories and form friendships over a cup of coffee reminded us of the importance of these small moments, and how they can have a lasting impact on how we feel at work.
Coffee and connection: Why it matters for workplace mental health
For many, a coffee break represents a moment to pause, a brief respite from the hustle of the workday. But in some cultures, this break is more than just a quick stop – it’s a cherished tradition. In Sweden, for example, the practice of fika is an essential part of the day. It's not just about grabbing a coffee, but about slowing down, connecting with colleagues, and taking time to refresh the mind. Similarly, in Italy, the pausa caffè is a time-honored ritual where coffee breaks are treated as opportunities to share ideas, build relationships, and foster a stronger sense of community.
By understanding and appreciating these traditions from other cultures, we can be inspired to create our own versions that emphasise connection. Through Common Strangers, we believe that conversations over coffee can lead to more open communication, improved collaboration, and stronger relationships. We’re helping to build a workplace culture where people feel supported and connected – not just to their tasks but to each other. Just like fika or pausa caffè, we can make the simple act of taking a coffee break a powerful way to foster mental well-being and community in our work environments.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on World Mental Health Day, let’s make connection a priority. It can be as simple as asking a colleague, “Wanna grab a coffee?” or having lunch away from the screen. These small moments can make a big difference in how we feel at work.
Remember, the connection begins with a conversation – and a damn good cup of coffee!
