Inside Circles: How community management unites employees in purpose and place

Penny Knowles, Community Manager at Circles, explains that consistent, intentional community programming plays a critical role in keeping hybrid employees connected — even when they’re not together every day. Celebrating birthdays and service anniversaries ensures employees receive the recognition they deserve while creating natural opportunities to connect with peers. Initiatives like writing letters to service members and veterans offer meaningful ways for employees to honor loved ones and feel personally connected to something larger than themselves. Seasonal events, such as a fall festival pumpkin carving contest, encourage cross-team collaboration and bring together colleagues who may not typically work side by side. Penny also notes that what surprises leadership most is how much employees value these small, thoughtful moments — they may seem simple, but they meaningfully boost morale and strengthen a sense of belonging.