Bringing the office back to life: Reviving workplace collaboration

Have you ever thought about your workplace as a community? You know, the kind where people are actively involved, lend and hand, and care about what happens? If that feels like a long-lost dream, you’re not alone. Many workplaces today are struggling to recapture the vibrancy that comes from people actually participating in the life of the office. During a recent presentation with my colleague, Janice MacPherson, at the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Alberta conference, we explored this idea. Here’s a taste of the conversation.

The office: More than a place to work?

Imagine this: a thriving workplace where people aren’t just there to tick off tasks but are part of something bigger. Like a neighborhood potluck! Everyone brings something to the table, and the more people that participate, the better the feast. But what happens when people stop showing up? The community starts to suffer. Fewer connections, less collaboration, and, let’s face it, a whole lot less fun.

This insight really hit home during the Calgary Stampede this past summer. Pancake breakfasts flipping into high gear, with the highest turnout in years. The sheer level of community participation was nothing short of spectacular—and uniquely Stampede. It’s like the whole city showed up, each person contributing to the energy and excitement. When people join in and bring their “A-game,” the result is electric. Now imagine if our workplaces could bottle up just a fraction of that energy.

We know that a flexible workplace has been hugely beneficial to many. However, not everyone is seeing the value of being in person. For young employees especially, this shift has created a gap in modeling essential behaviors—things like culture, collaboration, and participation. When onboarding happens in isolation or fun things are perceived as happening “somewhere else,” it’s hard to feel connected to the workplace.

It’s like showing up to the potluck and no one brought food—awkward, unfulfilling, and you leave hungry.

Participation: The secret sauce of community

Humans are wired for community. We thrive on connection, collaboration, and yes, even a bit of watercooler gossip. But building that community takes effort—and participation. Think about onboarding. Without people in the office to model culture, mentor new hires, and build relationships, how do we expect young talent to succeed? How do we expect anyone to feel connected?

It’s too easy to undervalue social interaction and community participation, but the consequences can be significant. Rusty social skills and feelings of perceived unfairness (“Why do they never come in, but we have to?”) can erode workplace morale. Participation, on the other hand, makes vibrant communities and solves problems that extend beyond just completing tasks. It creates trust, fosters collaboration, and makes workplaces enjoyable again. It’s like everyone bringing their best dish to the potluck—suddenly, you’ve got a feast worth celebrating.

Shifting the mindset: From obligation to opportunity

So, how do we bring the office back to life? It starts with rethinking our practices and asking for participation differently. Here are a few ideas:

1. Articulate the WHY: Make it clear why being in the office is worthwhile. What are the benefits to both individuals and the team? Help employees see that showing up is like bringing their special recipe to the potluck—it enriches everyone’s experience.
2. Co-create the rules of engagement: Involve employees in defining the “rules” of engagement. What works for your workplace? Everyone should have a say in what’s on the menu.
3. Define office days: Set clear expectations for the number of required in-office days. Ambiguity leads to inconsistency. If you don’t schedule the potluck, it might never happen.
4. Host in-person events: Make some meetings or events “in-person only” to encourage connection and collaboration. Sometimes, you need to get everyone around the same table to enjoy the meal.
5. Set meeting protocols: Establish and uphold guidelines for meetings. Decide how to “connect before content.” Think of it as the appetizer—it sets the tone for what’s to come.
6. Invest in social spaces: Consider the role of physical spaces like the lunchroom or the type of social events offered. A welcoming lunchroom is like a well-decorated dining area—it invites people to gather.
7. Practice the routine: Going to work requires planning and effort. Help employees re-establish this routine by creating a supportive environment. It’s like prepping your dish - a little effort can go a long way.

Leaving you with some food for thought

Workplace collaboration isn’t going to fix itself. It requires us to rethink how we show up and how we invite others to do the same. Yes, it takes effort—just like practicing for a big game or cooking a gourmet meal. But the rewards? A vibrant, thriving workplace community that benefits everyone.

I encourage you to start thinking about your workplaces not just as places to work, but as communities to invest in. Because when we invest in our workplaces, we create spaces where people want to be. And that’s a win for everyone—and a potluck worth attending.