Are your workplace connections making your team thrive, or driving disengagement?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien welcomes Dr. Zach Mercurio back for a powerful conversation on the workplace “mattering deficit” and how creating a true sense of significance can transform teams. Drawing on the latest research, including worrying trends of record-low employee engagement and the global loneliness epidemic, Zach reveals why transactional digital interactions and a lack of quality human connection are at the heart of the issue. He explains why perks, pay, and platforms alone can’t compensate for the daily need to feel seen, heard, and valued, and offers practical strategies for leaders to foster authentic, meaningful relationships at work.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. Why current employee engagement initiatives often fail, and the crucial difference between “connection” and true significance at work.
2. How technology and digital convenience erode our skills to build deeper relationships and create mattering.
3. The dangers of dismissing social skills as “soft” and why approaching them with rigor is essential for leaders.
4. Tips to overcome busyness and bring intentionality, attention, and skill to every human interaction.

Related Topics Covered:

Technology, Communications skills, employee engagement

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Connect with Zach Mercurio | Author, Speaker, Facilitator, and Researcher:

1. LinkedIn
2. Website
3. Instagram

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 181: Exploring Leading Indicators for Happier Workplaces with Zach Mercurio

Episode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins

Episode 218: How Can You Improve Happiness and Trust at Work with matt Phelan

Episode 226: The 3 C’s of Thriving Talent at Work with Aoife O’Brien

Episode 233: Unlocking Potential with Strengths-Based Strategies with Marijke Kershaw

About Happier at Work®

Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.

If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.

Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book

Book