Rebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid Work

Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese is joined by David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding and author of Beyond Trust Falls: The Definitive Guide to Building Teams That Click, to explore how team building has evolved beyond traditional activities into meaningful experiences that strengthen workplace culture.

David shares how intentional team experiences can create psychological safety, uncover hidden talents, and help employees build stronger relationships across roles, generations, and work environments. They discuss why play, curiosity, and even failure are essential parts of innovation and how shared experiences can improve trust, communication, and collaboration.

The conversation also explores the growing need for human connection in an increasingly digital and AI-driven workplace, the impact of charitable team experiences, and why investing in relationships is a critical part of building teams where people can do their best work.

Topics include:

• Moving beyond outdated team-building stereotypes
• Creating safe environments where employees can contribute and take risks
• The role of play in creativity, innovation, and problem-solving
• Building connection across hybrid teams and multiple generations
• Why meaningful experiences create lasting workplace impact
• The importance of belonging and human connection in the future of work

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The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.