Why Collective Effervescence Should Be Part of Your Workplace Strategy
Have you ever been part of a moment so joyful, so connected, that it gave you goosebumps? Maybe it was a stadium erupting after a game-winning goal. Or a standing ovation that brought tears to your eyes. That’s not just a fleeting feeling, it’s something sociologists call collective effervescence.
It’s a concept made popular again by Brené Brown, who describes it as "that moment when joy lights us up and we share it with others." It’s the deep sense of connection that emerges when people come together around a shared emotion; like celebration, awe, or unity.
I most recently felt it when I attended the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony. The sense of national pride I felt when Premier David Eby captured how we all felt about being a proud Canadian.
I’ve also felt it basically any time Sweet Caroline has come on at a bar or sporting event. The collective voice and swaying of the crowd gives me goosebumps!
And here’s the thing: it’s not just for concerts and weddings. It belongs in the workplace, too.
At KindCo, we believe that human connection is your strongest workplace strategy and collective effervescence is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) tools to unlock it.
What does collective effervescence look like at work?
You don’t need fireworks or a music festival to spark this kind of energy. In fact, it often arises from the simplest shared moments, if you’re intentional about creating them.
Here are some examples:
Celebrating a product launch as a full team, with music, clapping, even a toast. Everyone feels the high of shared accomplishment.
Starting a retreat with a group ritual or grounding moment, breathing together, setting intentions, or passing a talking stick. It bonds people instantly.
Laughing together during a well-designed workshop, where storytelling and vulnerability help people feel more human, more connected.
These moments don’t happen by accident. They’re designed. And when they are, they leave lasting impressions - deepening trust, belonging, and motivation.
Why does it matter?
In a hybrid world where many employees feel isolated or disengaged, collective joy is a necessary counterbalance. It helps people:
Feel part of something bigger than themselves
Build emotional bonds across teams and departments
Recharge and reengage with their purpose
Remember what makes their workplace special
It’s not just feel-good fluff. It’s the emotional glue that holds strong teams together.
How KindCo Helps Spark These Moments
At KindCo, we help organizations design experiences that invite more human moments into the workplace. Whether it’s through:
Trust-building workshops that encourage openness and connection
Employee engagement strategies that prioritize shared meaning over check-the-box programming
Purposeful gatherings and event design that ensure your offsites, retreats, and celebrations leave people feeling something, not just attending something
We know how to take the science of connection and turn it into real-world impact and create moments your team will remember long after the event ends.
Let’s Make Space for Joy
Collective effervescence doesn’t need to be rare. It can be part of how you gather, how you celebrate, how you lead.
If you’re ready to design gatherings and strategies that bring your people together in meaningful, joyful, unforgettable ways, we’d love to help.
