---

Many experts believe that technology is making us increasingly isolated, particularly in the workplace. In a recent Society for Human Resource Management interview, best-selling author Dan Schawbel offers tips for maintaining the human connection.  Here are a few.

Use electronic calendars to schedule meetings, but when there, be present and use the time to develop strong team relationships.  

Don’t base final hiring decisions on video interviews.  Technology gremlins can undercut a candidate’s ability to shine.  

If possible, build in office or face-to-face time with remote workers.  It will strengthen their relationships with co-workers and their commitment to the company.

When looking for teambuilding ideas, consider workcations.  Let the team work from a different city, away from the usual site.  

And encourage attending conferences and trade shows together. Shared learning, Schawbel says, increases loyalty and decreases turnover.

---