"We can make the case. Research is out there that prioritizing connection over productivity is the fastest way to get the productivity. When people have the sense of belongings and feel valued and be part of something, the productivity goes up." Junko Fukuma, AVP of Talent, Healthesystems We're Only Human -- Episode 175 In this episode of "We're Only Human," Ben Eubanks interviews Junko Fukuma about the importance of creating connections and fostering belonging in the workplace. They discuss the concept of a "me manual" as a tool to facilitate understanding and communication between team members. Junko shares insights on how the me manual can improve team dynamics, enhance productivity, and create a sense of belonging. The conversation highlights the significance of personal connections, especially in a remote work setting, and emphasizes the impact of prioritizing human connections over productivity. Three takeaways:  Me Manual: A tool used for creating connections and fostering understanding in the workplace by sharing brief user manuals with questions about working preferences and communication styles.Importance of Connection: Prioritizing connection over productivity leads to increased productivity and retention in the workplace.Psychological Safety: Creating a culture of psychological safety allows for open communication and constructive feedback among team members. Show Notes Connect with Junko on LinkedIn See the show archives and sign up for episode updates