Why Human Connection Is Our Most Important Investment in the Age of AI

At Workday, we believe that technology can be a powerful force for good. As we stand on the cusp of a new era defined by artificial intelligence, we know that there are incredible efficiencies and innovations that these new technologies will bring. But we must also remember what truly drives us forward: our ability to connect with one another on a human level.

For the past five years, the Workday Foundation has been focused on bridge building and fostering community connection through our Upstream Grant Fund. With this fund, our goal is to foster a vibrant and connected society with high levels of trust, belonging, and opportunities for IRL human connection. That’s why I’m so excited to announce the Workday Foundation’s new partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening social connection and rebuilding community trust.

The truth is, even before the rise of AI, we have been facing a crisis of disconnection. As research shows, this isn’t just a feeling of loneliness; it has tangible negative impacts on every aspect of our society. Consider these startling facts:

• Health: One in two adults in the U.S. now reports experiencing loneliness. Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and early death by 60%—a health impact comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 
• Democracy: Trust in our fellow Americans plummeted to just 34% in 2024, down from 49% in 1984, according to the Pew Research Center.
• Workforce: Disengaged employees account for $1.9 trillion in lost productivity nationally, Gallup estimates. Loneliness-related absenteeism costs employers over $154 billion annually, per Cigna.

These numbers paint a stark picture. Disconnection is a systemic issue that hinders our progress and stifles our potential. We need to create a connection movement, and invest in solutions that bring people together.

This is where the U.S. Chamber of Connection’s innovative approach comes in. They’re not just talking about the problem; they’re building solutions by creating a movement. Active now in Seattle, their vision is to gather and support active “community builders” and create a chamber of connection in 20 major U.S. cities in the next two years, focused on building and sustaining social connection as a public good.

I’m particularly inspired by their focus on newcomers to a community. As their research highlights, 12 million Americans move counties each year, and people who are in a transition are uniquely positioned to embrace connection and inspire change within their communities. By activating and welcoming those who have recently moved to a city, the U.S. Chamber of Connection is creating a ripple effect of connectivity that benefits everyone.

Their “six points of connection” framework provides a practical roadmap for individuals to build a more connected life, encompassing everything from connecting with your neighbors to volunteering in the community. It’s a holistic approach that recognizes the diverse ways in which we can systematically find belonging.

At the Workday Foundation, we are committed to supporting organizations that are tackling the root causes of our most pressing challenges. As the U.S. Chamber of Connection’s first large funder, we know that their work to strengthen human connection aligns perfectly with our belief that thriving communities are the bedrock of a healthy society and a strong economy.

At Workday Rising this year, our largest annual conference, the Workday Foundation presented a “Connection Square,” a physical space on our expo floor where Rising attendees were invited to meet one another via interactive prompts and activities designed to spark new friendships and professional connections.

In this age of rapid technological advancement, it’s more important than ever to invest in the human connections that give our lives meaning and purpose. The incredible productivity gains we realize through AI adoption frees us up to make meaningful investments in our IRL relationships with colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family. Technology has the power to accelerate our human connections, from connecting neighbors around local events, to finding new friends with shared interests—and we can use technology as the spark for strengthening community.

We can’t build a better future with AI alone. We need to build it together, as a connected and caring community. We are incredibly proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Connection and support their vital mission, and hope that you get to know them as well. We believe that by investing in human connection, we are investing in a more resilient, engaged, and elevated future for all of us.