Connection Economy
Economic Opportunity
From a global employer to a local cafe to your favorite sports team, investing in connection has both a significant social and economic return on investment.
Human connection, trust, and community resilience are foundational to economic health. Social bonds are a core driver of individual well-being, business success, and community vitality. Strengthening social ties has transformative potential—connected communities thrive, both economically and socially.
In communities with strong trust, local businesses prosper, nonprofits receive support, healthcare costs decline, and workplaces become more productive. In the Connection Economy, prosperity comes from putting people and relationships at the heart of economic strategy.
Economic Opportunity
Employers
According to a study by Cigna, loneliness increases health costs by $467 per employee. The same study found that loneliness decreases productivity by $4,200 per person. People who have strong social connection inside and outside of work not only save employers money but build stronger cultures and serve as brand ambassadors.
Organizations that benefit: companies, government and nonprofits
Economic Opportunity
Local Business
A study published by the American Sociological Association found that individuals with strong social connections were 1.5 times more likely to eat out at restaurants and engage in other leisure activities than those who felt isolated. Friendships and relationships encourage dining out and attending events, making these activities more enjoyable through shared experiences.
Businesses that benefit: stores, cafes, restaurants, galleries, malls, etc.
Economic Opportunity
Entertainment
The National Endowment for the Arts found that people who report higher levels of social connectedness attend cultural events such as plays, concerts, and museums at a rate 35% higher than those with fewer social connections. This participation is linked to shared enjoyment and the sense of inclusion these events foster within social circles.
Businesses that benefit: concert venues, theater, sports teams, etc.
Economic Opportunity
Nonprofit
According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, people with strong social networks are significantly more likely to volunteer. Data shows that 50% of those who volunteer frequently have robust social ties, whereas only 19% of individuals with limited social networks volunteer regularly. People who volunteer are significantly more likely to donate and join organizations. Volunteering not only enhances social well-being but also strengthens the volunteer’s connection to their community.
Organizations that benefit: arts, environment, social services, social clubs, etc.
Economic Opportunity
Recreation
Research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that socially active individuals tend to engage in physical activities more frequently. For instance, people who have exercise companions or belong to sports groups were 40% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines set by health organizations. Social connections provide accountability and companionship, making regular exercise more enjoyable and sustainable.
Businesses that benefit: gyms, studios, sports leagues, etc
Economic Opportunity
Healthcare
Social connection is fundamental to our physical and mental health. Research shows that loneliness can have health consequences equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, yet strong social ties can increase longevity by up to 50%. Loneliness costs Medicare an estimated $6.7 billion annually, and Cigna estimates lost productivity from social isolation amounts to $154 billion. When people are connected, communities become healthier, healthcare costs drop, and individuals lead longer, happier lives.
Organizations that benefit: insurance, healthcare providers, etc.
Economic Imperative
The Connection Economy envisions a world where trust, community bonds, and shared purpose drive economic and social success. From increasing GDP through trust to reducing healthcare costs, from supporting local nonprofits to enhancing employee productivity, the impact of strong social connections is transformative. Each community that invests in social capital, that values the connections between neighbors, colleagues, and families, builds a foundation for a prosperous, resilient economy.