Event Overview

Loneliness and social disconnection have emerged as significant workplace challenges, affecting employee well-being, engagement, productivity, and retention. As organizations navigate hybrid work, changing employee expectations, and increasing rates of burnout, creating a workplace where people feel genuinely connected has become a strategic priority.

As the culminating event of National Suicide Prevention Month, this convening will explore the powerful role connection and belonging play in building healthier, more resilient workplaces. Business leaders, HR professionals, and workplace well-being experts will examine the research behind belonging, its impact on organizational performance, and practical ways leaders can foster meaningful connection across their teams.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen workplace culture, improve employee engagement, and create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Why Attend

Participants will:

• Understand how loneliness and social connection affect employee well-being, engagement, and organizational performance.
• Explore the connection between belonging, retention, productivity, and workplace culture.
• Learn practical strategies for fostering meaningful connection across in-person, hybrid, and remote teams.
• Hear real-world examples from organizations successfully building cultures of belonging.
• Leave with actionable ideas that can be implemented immediately.

Preliminary Agenda

8:00–8:30 AM | Registration, Breakfast & Networking

Connect with fellow business and HR leaders over a light breakfast.

8:30–8:45 AM | Welcome & Setting the Stage

An overview of today's discussion, including:

• The growing impact of loneliness and social isolation in the workplace
• Why connection and belonging matter for organizational success
• The business case for investing in employee well-being

8:45–9:15 AM | Keynote: The Science of Connection

A leading expert will explore:

• The health and organizational impacts of loneliness
• Why meaningful connection is a fundamental human need
• Common misconceptions about workplace belonging
• The role leaders play in creating connected teams

9:15–10:00 AM | Panel Discussion: Building Cultures of Belonging

Business leaders will share practical insights on:

• Creating psychologically safe workplaces
• Strengthening connection across hybrid and in-person teams
• Using belonging as a driver of engagement, retention, and organizational performance
• Lessons learned from building cultures where employees thrive

10:00–10:10 AM | Break

10:10–10:50 AM | Promise2Live Interactive Experience

An engaging session focused on practical application, including:

• Reflecting on your current workplace culture
• Practicing leadership behaviors that build trust, connection, and belonging
• Exploring how purpose, community, and service strengthen organizational culture

10:50–11:15 AM | From Ideas to Action: What Works

Discover practical examples from Utah employers and organizations across the country that have successfully strengthened workplace connection and employee well-being.

11:15–11:30 AM | Action Planning & Closing

Leave with:

• One to three actionable next steps for your organization
• Practical resources to help sustain connection and belonging
• Ideas for continuing the conversation with your leadership team

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for:

• HR professionals and people leaders
• Business executives and organizational leaders
• Employee experience and workplace culture professionals
• CSR and community engagement leaders
• DEI and belonging practitioners
• Managers and supervisors
• Anyone responsible for employee well-being, engagement, or retention

About the Series

The Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being Series, presented by Utah Community Builders, a program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, equips Utah employers with practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen workplace mental health and employee well-being.

Throughout the series, business leaders and HR professionals gain actionable tools, learn from subject matter experts, and connect with peers who are committed to building healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Questions?

For more information, contact:

Bre Yamauchi
byamauchi@slchamber.com