How to build a sense of community in the workplace

When employees feel connected, supported, and engaged, they bring their best selves to work. And it's no secret that happy employees are the most productive. That’s why creating a sense of community at work isn’t just important - it’s essential.

A strong workplace community increases employee engagement, enables better teamwork, and strengthens company culture. The key is encouraging meaningful connections through office layout, team activities and open communication. The result? Thriving employees who love to come to work.

Read on for Arena Office's guide on how to build a sense of community in the workplace and make coming to work a pleasure. We'll cover the role of office design in shaping interactions and practical tips to create a happy and productive work environment.

If you are looking for an office in the South where your team can thrive, Arena has the ideal solution. Our 11 serviced offices feature thoughtfully designed spaces that enable collaboration and connection. To see for yourself, book a tour of one of our beautifully appointed offices today.

Why community matters in the workplace

Social connectedness has been key to human survival. Throughout our history, our ability to form social bonds and collaborate with others has been crucial to our safety and endurance. As a result, the need to be part of a community has become hardwired into us.

This is easy to relate to in our everyday lives. Meaningful interactions with friends, family, and neighbours give us purpose, improve our well-being, and motivate us. We are all aware of the damage that social isolation and loneliness do to mental health.

The workplace is no different. It is a micro-community with its own social dynamics. Trust, support, and shared goals shape the experience, which is why it is essential for employers to nurture a sense of connection.

When employees feel part of a strong, supportive team, they’re happier, more engaged, and more likely to fulfil their potential - leading to a more motivated workforce and a more successful business.

The benefits of a strong workplace community

Let's take a look at why businesses that nurture communities are more likely to be successful.

Employee wellbeing

People spend a huge part of their lives at work. If they feel isolated or disconnected, it can take a toll on their wellbeing and motivation. Responsible employers recognise that investing in employee wellbeing leads to happier and more productive teams. Creating a healthy community creates a psychologically safe environment where employees feel supported and do their best work.

Increased engagement and job satisfaction

When there is a strong workplace community, employees are more likely to feel part of the company's mission and are naturally more motivated. Fully engaged workers take pride in their work, are powerful advocates and go the extra mile to contribute to business goals. By nurturing this shared sense of purpose, employee satisfaction is given a significant boost - and a more satisfied workforce means reduced employee turnover and a reduced risk of 'quiet quitting'.

Better teamwork

A sense of community in the office encourages open communication and helps people make connections. And, when team members build good relationships, they collaborate more, solve problems faster, and become more efficient. This connectedness also inspires peer-to-peer recognition and creates a culture of mutual respect, where ideas are shared freely, and everyone’s input is valued.

Professional growth

A strong sense of community doesn’t just make work more enjoyable and productive - it also aids personal development. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to step out of their comfort zones and learn new skills. This leads to a more valuable, motivated workforce ready to take on new challenges and drive the business forward.

Healthy company culture

Company culture isn’t just about policies or mission statements - it’s about how employees interact and treat each other on a daily basis. The phrase 'toxic workplace' has become, sadly, all too common. The antithesis is a connected and inclusive workplace where the company's core values are upheld, and employees feel valued. While everyone in the company plays a part in building community, leaders can actively nurture it by creating opportunities for people to come together and make connections.

How your workspace design shapes community

The office layout and facilities can have a big impact on how employees interact. A well-thought-out work environment encourages conversations and collaboration - helping to build a strong workplace community.

At Arena Offices, we understand how important workplace design is for community-building. Our thoughtfully designed offices provide the perfect balance of collaborative and quiet spaces, helping businesses to create a productive and enjoyable environment for their team members. Communal spaces are for the exclusive use of our tenants and are all included in one fixed monthly agreement.

Thoughtfully designed office spaces

We know that every business and every team is unique. That's why Arena Offices offers an in-house customisation team dedicated to creating personalised office spaces that truly reflect your culture and needs. From optimising the office layout to selecting the perfect workstations and strategically designing collaborative and quiet zones, our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life.

Inspiring meeting rooms for collaboration

Whether it’s a formal board meeting, a client presentation, or a spontaneous brainstorming session, having access to private meeting rooms is essential. Stylish, comfortable spaces equipped with the latest technology can inspire more productive outcomes.

Breakout spaces for informal conversations

Not all work-related conversations happen in formal meetings. Breakout spaces create a more inclusive workplace culture by giving employees the flexibility to leave their desks for a break or have a quick work-related chat. These casual gatherings can really enhance the employee experience and foster a sense of belonging.

Business lounges for relaxation and networking

Plush business lounges may seem like a luxury, but a relaxing space for unwinding is essential to productivity. Their relaxed surroundings can also encourage professional relationship building. At a serviced office, business lounges offer an opportunity to network with other businesses, which could lead to valuable new partnerships.

What about remote teams?

Working remotely can feel isolating, but employers can still help remote employees feel part of the office community. Team chats via Zoom or Teams, regular phone check-ins, and in-person social events can help bridge the distance.

For companies with flexible workspaces, it's possible to invite remote employees in for occasional team-building, meetings and project work without worrying about desk space. It's a valuable way to reinforce a sense of belonging.

Practical tips on how to create a sense of community in the workplace

Want to build a stronger workplace community? Here are Arena's simple, actionable tips:

Host regular team-building activities

Getting employees together away from their desks has benefits. Whether it's a casual working lunch once a quarter or an organised team sports day, a change of scenery can inspire a sense of fun and help form closer bonds. It can also help employees feel valued and refreshed for their return to the office.

Low-cost team-building activities for SMEs

1. 'Lunch and learn' sessions - Encourage team members to share department news and insights over a casual lunch. Make time for social chat, too.
2. Impromptu brainteasers - How elaborate it is is up to you! But it could simply involve a simple scavenger around the office. It’s a great way to break up the routine and get people working together in a lighthearted way. A small prize is a must!
3. Team walks - If your office is near a nice, green location (such as Arena's Ferndown office), take a break from screens and head outside for a group walk. Employees may feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts, plus they will be refreshed for their return to the office.

Cross-departmental collaboration

Once in a while, it's important to break down departmental barriers to bring employees together beyond their usual circles. That might be a cross-team project, a knowledge-sharing session, or an informal networking event. It prevents harmful silos, creates a wider sense of belonging and can spark new ideas.

Recognise achievements

A little appreciation can make a big difference. Regularly acknowledging employee contributions - it could be a big project win, a personal milestone, or simply a task well done - boosts morale, motivation, and engagement. Public shout-outs and regular team celebrations go a long way in making employees feel valued.

Events and workshops

At Arena Offices, we believe that strong teams are built through shared experiences. We host regular activities that bring people together to build better professional and personal relationships.

From Business advice to digital marketing trends, PR and strategy, we offer events that help businesses stay ahead while connecting with like-minded professionals.

Upcoming lunch and learn sessions:

During the summer months, our terrace events at Grosvenor House offer an opportunity for networking and relaxation. Plus, our clients regularly take the initiative to host their own gatherings, like summer BBQ's, creating valuable cross-business connections.

Our dedicated centre teams also host topical events throughout the year, from charitable initiatives like Macmillan coffee mornings to light-hearted celebrations on Blue Monday and Valentine's Day. These events provide ample opportunities for employers and employees to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships within the Arena Offices community.

Wellbeing initiatives

We've already discussed how positive mental health creates a happier, more productive workplace. You don't need a big budget to make a real difference - simple initiatives can have a big impact on reducing stress and boosting morale.

Wellbeing initiatives - practical suggestions for SMEs

1. Encourage regular breaks – Encourage employees to have lunch away from their desks and take regular walks or stretch breaks. Movement helps refresh the mind and improve focus.
2. Quiet zones – If you have the facilities, set up a small, quiet space where employees can take a break, practice mindfulness, or simply reset during the day.
3. Wellbeing app subscriptions – If it's within your budget, provide staff with access to mental health apps like Headspace or Calm.
4. Gentle exercise sessions - Yoga classes are a great way to set your team up for the day and something that we find very popular when we run them at Arena Offices. Staff at our Grosvenor House office also benefit from access to a gym.

Consider relocating to a flexible office space

Choosing the right office space can make all the difference in creating a strong workplace community.

At Arena Offices, our goal is to help businesses create a strong sense of community by designing workspaces that bring people together. Our flexible workspaces, including breakout spaces, well-equipped meeting rooms, and comfortable business lounges, encourage connection. Berkshire Place in Reading and Grosvenor House in Basingstoke have on-site cafés, with the latter also boasting a gym and a roof terrace.

Looking for a new office space? Get in touch with Arena Offices

A thriving community and seamless communication are the foundation of a successful business. If you want to create a more connected, engaged, and motivated team, the right workspace makes all the difference.

At Arena Offices, we design office environments with collaboration and wellbeing in mind to support a positive workplace culture. So why not explore what we have to offer and find out how an Arena address can help elevate your business?

Get in touch today to ask us a question or to book a tour at a location near you.