Hybrid and virtual work models dominate, and trust is harder to build. Without hallway chats or watercooler moments, leaders have to be intentional about creating connection.

A 2025 Deloitte study found that 58% of hybrid workers feel less connected to their leaders than in-person teams, and 40% report lower trust due to inconsistent communication.

That makes it business-critical to know your colleagues as people. So instead of defaulting to surface-level small talk, try these questions to build real connection with your team:

-Describe your first memorable encounter with another culture

-In what ways are you not a good traveller?

-Describe your ideal hotel?

-What’s the kindest thing anyone’s done for you?

-What small everyday pleasure do you love?

-Who was the best person you ever worked with and why?

-When I was a child, I wanted to be ….

-How might people describe you when you are not in the room?

-Describe a meaningful moment in your life

-What advice would you give to your 19-year-old self?