EvenMORE For You

Connection at Work: Is That a Thing?

Here’s the thing - Most workplaces talk about productivity and performance like they’re the holy grail, but the real engine behind thriving teams isn’t the spreadsheet; It’s connection with people. Humans who genuinely feel connected to their coworkers, leaders, make the company’s mission sharper, more creative, and a lot more loyal. Connection is the secret sauce that companies can overlook.

Connection kills toxicity. It’s much easier to allow humans to be human when you have a connection with them. It builds trust, psychological safety, and creates a “we’re in this together” vibe. It turns workplaces into communities where people actually want to show up. It creates a company culture that people want to be a part of. 

Connection reduces burnout, boosts job satisfaction, and makes work feel less like survival mode and more like purpose. When people feel seen, they show up fully.   

The benefits of connection for employers are clear. It creates retention, loyalty, and higher engagement. Let’s be real: replacing people is way more expensive than investing in connection. 

So how do you make it happen without resorting to awkward team building activities or another pizza party?

• Real talk: Encourage leaders to ask employees what they need—not just about work, but as whole humans. What matters to them?
• Shared experiences: Group projects, mentorship, or just eating lunch together without phones. Fostering connection beyond the cubicle makes a valuable difference.  
• Life coaching at work: Utilize a coach for one-on-one or group sessions which can unlock clarity, confidence, and communication skills employees didn’t even know they needed. Coaching gives people tools to navigate conflict, build self-awareness, and connect authentically. This translates not only at work, but out in the world. 

Connection isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s a brilliant strategy. Without it, we’re all just robots performing a task. If you want better culture, better business, and better humans, don’t adopt another policy – invest in building relationships. Because, well, we’re people first. Companies that make the investment in people don’t just perform better; they become better. 

The Power of Green

Every day, our Crossroads care teams head out in the community in our signature green color. It helps identify our staff as part of the Crossroads team. It also raises our profile and conveys a sense of professionalism and consistency. But we’re often asked why we ask our office staff to wear green.

In our dynamic workplace, where each day presents new challenges and opportunities, fostering a strong sense of unity and support among our staff is paramount. One of the most powerful ways we can achieve this is by coming together to wear green in the office to show our unwavering support for the dedicated individuals who represent our green brand in the field every day.

Green, the color of peace, harmony, and calmness, embodies the core values and mission of our organization. It symbolizes our commitment to our patients and families. When we don green attire in the office, it's not just a matter of clothing; it's a declaration of our collective dedication to these ideals.

This simple act of wearing green serves as a powerful visual reminder of our shared purpose. It sends a clear and compelling message that we stand with our colleagues in the field, whether they are providing care to patients, supporting families, or spreading the word about what we do in the community. Hospice is all about being part of a team, contributing our unique skills and strengths to fulfill a common mission both in the field and in the office.

But the significance of wearing green extends beyond symbolism. It enhances team spirit, nurtures a sense of belonging, and promotes a feeling of camaraderie. When we see our colleagues and leadership proudly wearing green, it fosters a sense of inclusivity. This, in turn, fuels our motivation to work together, reinforcing our commitment to a team approach to patient care. Together, we are an unstoppable team, ready to face any challenge and deliver the very best in end-of-life care.

Spotlight on ED Monica Sullivan & CD Dannell Miller

When Leaders Work Together, They Become a Superpower

“It’s simple” according to Crossroads in Philadelphia Executive Director Monica Sullivan. “What’s best for the patient” drives everything we do. Clinical Director Dannell Miller, NP agrees.

Monica and Dannell have forged a steady and unified bond that is driving success at the site. While “census could be higher” as with other Crossroads’ sites, operationally the Philadelphia site is meeting the needs of its patients with the highest level of end-of-life care that is Crossroads’ hallmark. 

But that hasn’t always been the case recently. While Dannell came to the Philadelphia site four years ago after completing her training as a family medicine Nurse Practitioner, Monica, a social worker by training, arrived just two years ago after spending 20 years as a leader at a continuing care retirement community. 

While their chemistry was strong from the start, Monica and Dannell’s bond wasn’t instant. They had to work at it with hours invested in conversation, debate and planning. Now their leadership and unflappable unity is setting a positive and productive tone for the Philadelphia site while embracing Crossroads’ culture. 

A “mass exodus” of nurses about a year into Monica’s tenure is one of the things that put Monica, Dannell and the entire site to the test. Severe understaffing had the site “at its wits’ end,” according to Monica. “We were in “fight-or-flight” mode.” Many of the exits were for good reasons, Monica explained. There was only one firing for cause. 

Approval from C4 to contract with a temporary nursing staffing agency while rebuilding Crossroads’ nursing team was a lifesaver, according to Dannell. It was also a vote of confidence in Monica and Dannell’s leadership. The contract with the temps is over and now, with an almost entirely rebuilt team, they are recruiting motivated professionals “who don’t need to be perfect, just open-minded and eager to learn,” according to Dannell. 

“Each person we hire is given time to grow and learn,” Dannell explained. The focus is on information retention. With structured training, strong communication and a shared “do-right-by-the-patient and you’ll-do-right,” philosophy, the Philadelphia team is thriving.

Investing in their Leadership Partnership

Monica and Dannell quickly recognized each other’s strengths when they began working together. Both were strong communicators with an appreciation for the challenges of end-of-life care. Their comfort and camaraderie with each other create an environment where humor and laughter are welcome. That is what personally keeps them moving forward each day, no matter the challenge. Monica sums it up best, “Patience is key. We can control what we can control.”

Monica and Dannell’s leadership styles are rooted in collaboration. They drive into each other’s lanes freely. Monica asks clinical questions while Dannell weighs in on administrative decisions. Differences in opinion are met with openness and conversation, never anger. This approach keeps their relationship steady while presenting a unified front to the Philadelphia team.

Monica and Dannell both emphasize growth, not complacency, while still prioritizing work-life balance. They both have children and families they spend time with and they both take vacations.

Pathways’ Danny Gutknecht and our founder Perry Farmer met again this month with Monica and Dannell at the Philadelphia site. “When I met with the Executive and Clinical Directors earlier this year, it was clear Monica and Dannell were in the middle of a storm. A sudden wave of nurse departures created an extremely difficult situation. Stress exposes cracks, but it can also forge stronger teams -- and Monica and Dannell chose a common vision over division,” Danny said.

He continued, “The fact that they welcome different perspectives and can steer in the same direction is one of the things that can steady a team. I've visited Philadelphia twice since meeting with Monica and Dannell this summer. I can tell they’ve moved the needle - there was a much healthier vibe and a strong foundation for tapping into their potential. I’m excited to see what they can continue to accomplish!”

The Philadelphia team is proof: When leaders work together, teamwork becomes a superpower. We congratulate Monica and Dannell with best wishes for much continued success in Philadelphia.