Episode 209: Work has always been about more than deadlines, meetings and paychecks. The quality of our connections with colleagues often determines whether the office feels like a community or a cold, transactional environment.

Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore the complex role that relationships play in shaping purpose, belonging and well-being in modern professional life.

Drawing on insights from psychotherapist and bestselling author Esther Perel, the hosts explore her four pillars of strong workplace connections: trust, belonging, recognition and collective resilience. They consider why these principles matter more than ever, at a time when many people socialize less outside of the office and rely on their jobs to provide a sense of community.

The hosts also debate whether structured tools — like question cards designed to spark conversation — can genuinely help colleagues build trust, or whether such efforts feel contrived. Along the way, they reflect on Kyte’s two decades of teaching courses on community building, offering practical examples of how leaders can foster camaraderie without resorting to blunt instruments.

The discussion also ventures into topics many organizations avoid, such as romance between coworkers. Is it ethical to discourage friendships and relationships at work simply because some may turn sour, or does connection outweigh those risks?

Technology looms large in the conversation. Remote and hybrid roles may boost productivity and employee satisfaction, but they often lead to reduced engagement and leave individuals feeling isolated. The hosts ask whether organizations have a responsibility to intentionally create opportunities for connection in an age where people may find screens more predictable than people.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast:

Esther Perel on how technology is changing love and work, with podcast host Scott Galloway

7 questions that can instantly boost your work relationships, by Angela Haupt, Time