Why psychology tells us our relationships at work matter more than we think.

Modern technology has made us more connected than ever.

Or has it?

We can spend all day on Teams, answer endless emails, sit in a building full of people and still finish the day feeling as though we have barely connected with another human being.

Remote working, hybrid teams, busy diaries and independent working have brought flexibility, freedom and opportunity. They have also made it surprisingly easy to become isolated without really noticing.

And that matters.

Connection is not simply something that makes work feel a little nicer. It affects how we manage pressure, share ideas, ask for help, solve problems and work with the people around us.

When people feel connected, they are more likely to speak up, collaborate, contribute ideas and recover from difficult days.

When they do not, they are more likely to withdraw, overthink and quietly struggle alone.

In this engaging and practical session, Gemma Wardell, founder of Human Brilliance, will explore the psychology of connection at work and why it plays such an important role in wellbeing, relationships and performance.

Together, we will explore:

why our brains are wired for connection

how we can be surrounded by people and still feel alone

the difference between contact, conversation and genuine connection

how modern ways of working can create accidental isolation

why connection influences trust, creativity, confidence and performance

how co-working spaces can create relationships and opportunities that might never happen from the kitchen table

simple ways to create better conversations and stronger working relationships

This is not a session about forced networking, awkward icebreakers or collecting business cards you will never look at again.

It is a chance to think differently about the everyday interactions that shape how we feel, connect and perform at work.

Expect psychological insight, honest conversation, practical ideas and probably a few moments where you recognise yourself.

You will leave with a greater understanding of the psychology already operating in your working life, along with some simple ways to create more meaningful connection from the very same day.

Who is this session for?

This session is for business owners, founders, freelancers, leaders, managers, remote workers, hybrid teams and anyone interested in workplace wellbeing, relationships and performance.

Whether you manage a team, work independently or simply spend too much of your day talking to a laptop, this session is for you.

About Gemma

Gemma Wardell is the founder of Human Brilliance, a psychology-led leadership and organisational development business.

Gemma brings together psychology and human behaviour to explore the dynamics shaping how people connect, communicate and perform at work.

Gemma brings expertise, depth, warmth and practical insight to everyday workplace challenges. Her work helps leaders, teams and organisations understand not only what is happening at work, but what may be happening underneath it — and what they can do differently.

Refreshments provided

Attendees are also invited to stay and co-work from C4Di for the day, creating an opportunity to continue conversations, meet other people within the community and experience the building for themselves.

Because it would be slightly ironic to attend a session about connection and then immediately disappear.

Better relationships create better working days, and better work days create better results.

Description supplied by the event organiser.