Intimacy in Business—Why Human-Scale Organizations Create Lasting Impact

You slip into the office, balancing a lukewarm coffee in one hand and your bag in the other, mind already cycling through meetings and emails. But today, you remember something from earlier—a list you made of the ten people you actually see every day at work. It includes the receptionist who knows your favorite snack, the partner who handles invoices, and even the delivery guy with a joke always ready. As you glance at that list now, you realize you’ve never really talked to Maya, who sits two desks down, and who always seems busy but quietly gets things done.

At lunch, instead of scrolling on your phone, you invite Maya out for a quick walk. The weather is brisk, and as you make small talk, you ask her about the drawings pinned to her cubicle wall. She lights up, telling you about her teenage daughter’s art contest and what the family did on the weekend. You laugh about a shared dislike for microwaved fish in the break room and, unexpectedly, she mentions a piece of software she uses that could make your job easier. Later, the day feels lighter—maybe you even work a little faster, aware that there’s someone in the building rooting for you.

Before leaving, you fire off a short email to another team member—a two-sentence thank you for stepping up to fix yesterday’s printer fiasco. It’s nothing big, but as you hit send, you notice you’re smiling. These small acts—genuine connection, authentic appreciation—are the roots of what organizational psychologists call “human-scale” culture. In workplaces where people know each other as people, not cogs, trust and satisfaction climb, and performance follows.

Start by jotting down the actual people you interact with in your work orbit—names matter. Choose one person you realize you barely know, and carve out a little time this week for a real conversation, whether it’s a walk, coffee, or a quick chat about their interests. Make it count by sharing a specific story or compliment that shows you’re paying attention. These simple steps spark the kind of belonging and respect that make organizations thrive, and they’ll leave you—and your teammates—feeling just a little more seen at the end of the day. Try giving it a go with someone new this week.