A 2024 study by Quantum Connections™, conducted by Sentient Decision Science, has revealed a critical yet often overlooked driver of business success: employee connection. The study surveyed over 12,000 employees across 49 industries and found that when employees feel seen and heard, both human and business outcomes improve significantly.
At the heart of the study is the Net Connected Score (NCS)—a patent-pending measurement tool that quantifies employee connection by asking a single, impactful question:
“On a scale of 1-10, how seen and heard do you feel by your direct supervisor?”
This simple yet powerful metric is strongly linked to engagement, retention, and profitability, demonstrating that workplace relationships directly impact company performance.
Research Findings: The Impact of Connection
The study uncovered three major benefits of fostering a connected workforce:
1. Increased Engagement
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Employees are 55% more likely to contribute new ideas.
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44% more likely to admit mistakes without fear, fostering transparency.
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39% more likely to take calculated risks, driving innovation.
2. Higher Employee Retention
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Employees who feel connected are 31% less likely to consider leaving their jobs weekly.
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Connected employees stay with their employer for at least 9.5 months longer, reducing hiring and training costs.
3. Greater Profitability
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Fully connected workforces see 38.7% higher profitability than disconnected ones.
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Strong employee-supervisor relationships directly correlate with business growth and stability.
Why NCS Is a Game-Changer for Business Leaders
According to Dennis S. Holland, CEO of Quantum Connections, the NCS findings highlight that:
“The relationship between employees and their direct supervisors represents the crucial intersection where organizational success meets human need.”
The study also challenges traditional employee satisfaction and engagement metrics. Dr. Aaron Reid, CEO of Sentient Decision Science, emphasizes:
“This research proves that human connection is a stronger predictor of business success than existing employee engagement measures.”
As businesses navigate challenges like hybrid work models, global teams, and a multigenerational workforce, employee connection emerges as the key to unlocking workplace potential.
Final Thoughts: A Roadmap for Building Connected Workplaces
In an era of high employee turnover and workplace disengagement, the NCS study provides a practical roadmap for businesses to foster more connected, engaged, and high-performing teams.
As Holland concludes:
“By investing in fundamental human connection—particularly between supervisors and employees—we’re not just solving workplace detachment; we’re unlocking the full potential of people and organizations.”
The future of work isn’t just about productivity—it’s about connection.
