The Power of Warm Connections in the Workplace 

Las Vegas Grill is a fish and chip shop along Southend Seafront. And for a while, it was my worst-paid job at just £2.10 an hour. The team was an intergenerational mismatch of chaos, with workforce ages ranging from 13 to 80 - but I cherished every moment there. It was a time of laughter and fun. 

From the waitresses breaking into dances whenever they received a tip over £5 to the manager pretending to be Australian for the day trippers, even quoting prices in dollars and cents, no day was ever the same. A friend and I even decided to see if anything could be battered—so we battered everything edible around us. 

These experiences solidified our bond as a team. We got to know one another on a deeper, more personal level, developing an almost sixth sense. During the most stressful moments, we instinctively supported each other. If a customer had perhaps had one too many beers and caused trouble, a simple look or nod was all it took for us to work together, ensuring excellent customer service while keeping things under control. 

On scorching summer days, when queues stretched down the promenade, getting a break was a mythical fairytale. We still managed to smile, help each other out if someone seemed overwhelmed, crack silly jokes, and mimic a screaming child in the restaurant to lighten the mood. 

We thrived because we were in sync, instinctively understanding each other’s dynamics. Although I didn’t realise it at the time, we were fostering warm connections with one another, thanks to a leader who gave us the freedom and foundation to do so. 

Leadership and Warm Connections

Some fantastic books explore these concepts in greater detail, including one of my favourites, Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet. He tells the true story of how he took command of a new vessel, only to quickly realise that empowering leadership doesn’t work if you’re unwilling to invest in your people and believe in their potential. More importantly, giving up control doesn’t mean giving up standards of excellence. 

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have Laughology in your workplace—whether for a workshop, keynote, or programme—you’ll know how we simplify complex neuroscience into practical, actionable strategies. One of these is ‘warm connections’ - a simple yet powerful tool we share, which really resonates with me. 

Before I get into the details, I want you to think about a job where you had the best time. A bit like my experience at the Las Vegas Grill. Can you recall moments of genuine laughter, feeling cared for and trusted? If your response is, ‘Come on, Curtis, that job doesn’t exist!’, it sounds like you've missed out on warm connections within your team.

At Laughology, warm connections are represented by a simple model featuring four triangles: one inverted and labelled ‘Transactional,’ while the other three, labelled ‘Warm,’ stand upright around it. These four triangles form a larger triangle, symbolising how essential warm connections are for enhancing basic transactional tasks and fostering workplace happiness! 

Or, if your thought process is like mine, picture the Morphin’ Time moment from Power Rangers—when they combine to form one powerful Megazord to defeat the villain! Once you add the key ingredient of a Laughology facilitator to bring the model to life, you have the recipe for an unforgettable, engaging, and unique learning experience! 

Warm Connections and Inclusive Teams

If you think back to my Las Vegas Grill story for a moment - what made it special wasn't just the silly moments; it was how those shared experiences created a space where everyone, from the 13-year-old newcomer to the 80-year-old fish-frying sage, felt they truly belonged.

Warm connections can transform a group of colleagues into a real team. When we take time to learn about each other's lives, share stories, and celebrate our differences, we create an environment where everyone feels seen and valued. It's not just about the big team-building events, either - it's in the small daily moments, like remembering how someone takes their coffee or asking about their weekend plans.

These connections become especially powerful when teams are diverse. Age differences, cultural backgrounds, or varying work styles stop being barriers and start becoming strengths. But building these connections takes intention. It means creating opportunities for genuine interaction, whether that's through informal catchups, collaborative projects, or simply taking time to listen. 

It means celebrating team members' unique contributions and ensuring everyone's voice is heard in discussions. Most importantly, it means fostering an environment where people feel safe being themselves.

Warm connections create a positive feedback loop. When people feel included and valued, they're more likely to speak up, share ideas, and support those around them. This creates stronger bonds, better communication, and, ultimately, a more effective and happier team. 

One conversation at a time… 

As a long-suffering Southend United supporter, I've learned that warmth comes in many forms. Whether serving fish and chips on a busy seafront, cheering on the Blues on a freezing Tuesday night, or navigating the daily challenges of work life, warm connections make all the difference. So, here's to building those connections, one conversation at a time. 

Have you experienced warm connections in your workplace? Or are you currently stuck in a transactional environment? If it’s the latter, we can help, so get in touch with Doug, and he’ll share how we can help - doug@laughology.co.uk