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

Connect with fellow business 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

If you haven't heard from The Other Side Academy, you're in for a real treat! The have mastered the art of building belonging in the workplace and will be speaking to the topics of:

• 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

9:15–9:45 AM | Local Resources

Featuring The Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging (CEOB) and Inclusion Strategies—tools and resources to support your efforts

9:45–9:50 AM | Break

9:50–10:50 AM | Panel Discussion: Building Cultures of Belonging

Local companies share how volunteer programs have strengthened culture, connection, and results.

Audience Q&A included

Moderator
    Kayla Norman  – Community Engagement Manager at Cambia Health Foundation
Panelists
    Kendall Banks – Director, Talent Management & Employee Experience at Snap Finance
    Dovie Vejarano – Managing Director at Delta Airlines
    Jason Myers – Director of Inclusion and Belonging at CHG Healthcare  

10:50–11:20 AM | Promise2Live Interactive Experience

A handwritten note + a “Pocket Hug”

11:20–11:30 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.
 

Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact Bre Yamauchi at byamauchi@slchamber.com

Generously Sponsored by

 

 
Presented in Partnership with