1107: Jason Lauritsen - "Human Connection"

What if over 60% of employees in your office felt so lonely, they were already planning their exit—and this problem actually began long before the pandemic?

Welcome to an eye-opening episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, where we reunite with dynamic keynote speaker and workplace culture thought leader, Jason Lauritsen. Together, Lou and Jason dive deep into the pressing crisis of disconnection in today’s society and the workplace—going far beyond the usual surface-level chatter about remote work and social media.

Inside this Episode:

• You’ll discover the staggering reality behind the “loneliness epidemic” that’s been quietly brewing for years—even before COVID-19.
• Jason shares firsthand insights from his brand new Human Connection Study, exploring why so many feel isolated at work, what’s really driving this disengagement, and why old solutions just aren’t working anymore.
• Find out why “more meetings” might not be the enemy after all, and learn the undervalued power of authentic appreciation and recognition in the remote era.
• Jason and Lou unpack why basic relationship skills—like asking meaningful questions and checking in with each other—are more essential than ever, yet largely missing from leadership development.
• Plus, you’ll hear how inclusion and feeling seen for who you truly are may be the ultimate unlock for real engagement.

Key Takeaways & What You Can Do:

• Recognize that loneliness at work is not a new phenomenon—and that technology alone didn’t cause it.
• Prioritize authentic connection: Start small by genuinely checking in on your coworkers, offering specific recognition, and creating space for people to bring their whole selves to work.
• Leaders: Rethink team activities and invest in building fundamental relationship skills, not just business acumen.
• Everyone: Take 10 minutes to participate in Jason’s Human Connection Study (http://Humanconnectionstudy.com), and share it with your network to drive powerful change in workplaces everywhere.
• Tune into Jason’s podcast, “Check In with Jason Lauritsen,” to keep learning from leaders who are modeling real human connection at work.

Your Challenge:

Reflect on your own workplace: Where are connection gaps hiding? When did you last make someone feel truly seen or appreciated? Use the lessons from this conversation to start bridging those gaps—one authentic interaction at a time.

Listen now, and let’s build a connected workplace together.

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

00:00 Promote Connection and Relationships

05:24 The Importance of Workplace Connection

08:09 Exploring Social Norms Post-Pandemic

14:04 Counterintuitive Findings on Remote Connection

15:47 "Impact of Authentic Workplace Inclusion"

21:00 College World Series Tradition in Omaha

22:14 Summer Plans and Pool Time

25:38 Human Connection Study Participation