Building Stronger Workplaces Through Connection: Highlights from the Inaugural NEAP Ambassador Roundtable

Last week we were proud to host the inaugural NEAP Ambassador Roundtable, bringing together HR and people leaders for an engaging discussion on workplace connection, leadership, and organizational culture.

Created as a forum for collaboration, the NEAP Ambassador Roundtable gives HR leaders the opportunity to exchange ideas, share real-world experiences, and learn from one another while helping shape the future of workplace well-being.

Our first session was inspired by the podcast The Highest Performance Strategy is Caring About People, featuring Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, and Adam Grant; as well as themes we continue to see through conversations with our clients, trends across the EAP community, and broader workplace and employee well-being reports.

Together, these insights pointed to a question that resonates across every industry: How do organizations create stronger connections while successfully leading through change?

One message emerged consistently: people are at the heart of every successful organization. Whether navigating change, developing leaders, or strengthening workplace culture, meaningful human connection remains a foundation for engagement, trust, and long-term success.

The conversation explored how organizations can create environments where employees feel valued and heard. Building genuine relationships, understanding employees as individuals, involving frontline staff in decisions that affect their work, and creating opportunities for open dialogue can all strengthen trust and connection.

Leadership was another central theme–not simply leadership by title, but leadership demonstrated through presence, empathy, and action. Participants shared the importance of manager development, cross-functional collaboration, recognition, and empowering employees at every level to contribute to shaping workplace culture.

As organizations navigate ongoing change, participants also emphasized the need to balance accountability with empathy. Effective leaders help employees focus on solutions, communicate clearly, and recognize that people process change differently. Using multiple communication channels and creating opportunities for employees to ask questions and contribute ideas can help build understanding and engagement.

Ultimately, the conversation served as a powerful reminder that workplace culture is not created through a single initiative. It is built every day through intentional leadership, authentic communication, recognition, and a genuine commitment to caring for people.

We extend our sincere thanks to our NEAP Ambassadors–Jennie Kerr, Kristi Bosco, Maggie Smith, Christine Smith, Jen Trakhtenberg, Heather Bermingham, Lisa Dippel, Aimee Soteriou, Harland Lundy, and Natalie Kenney–for participating in our inaugural Roundtable and sharing their experiences and perspectives.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming our ambassadors back for future discussions as we learn from one another and work together to build healthier, more connected workplaces.

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