There is strong evidence that indicates feeling close to and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.
This is particularly evident in the workplace. The more we connect at work, the better our wellbeing at work.
It is easier to connect in person but there are sometimes situations we find ourselves in, such as working from home, when this is nigh on impossible.
We have listed some ways to connect both in-person and remotely below.
Why is it good to connect with people at work and improve our mental health?
Social relationships at work are critical for promoting wellbeing in the workplace and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for employees.
Good relationships at work not only make being at work more pleasurable they make you better at your job.
The New Economics Foundation developed the Five Ways to Wellbeing, as a set of evidence-based public mental health messages aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population.
It is widely used by public bodies in the UK such as the NHS. One of the five ways to wellbeing is ‘Connect’.
Connecting with the people around us is a great way to remind ourselves that we’re important and valued by others. Social relationships are important. Building stronger, broader social connections can increase our feelings of happiness and self-worth.
Many of us would like to spend more time with people who are important to us. However, having a heavy workload and being busy at work at times can make this difficult.
Research suggests that the most significant difference found between those with mental ill health and those with good mental health is social participation.
There are two types of social relationships at work:
- Relationships that are deep and strong – supportive, encouraging, meaningful. These may develop over time and are above the acquaintance level.
- Broad relationships which may be more superficial – give a sense of familiarity, connectedness, self-worth, position in the organisation
Both types are important to us. Human beings are social animals, and our relationships with other people matter to us.
Strong relationships at work can allow us to share our feelings and know that we are understood. They provide an opportunity to share positive experiences and can give us emotional support, as well as the chance to support others at work.
As well as ‘emotional support’ building social connections at work offers ‘structural support’ such as the ability to ask people for help with work-related tasks.
There is no need to be the one eating lunch alone or realising that you don’t even have the time to exchange pleasantries with your co-workers.
Research shows that loneliness is connected to mortality and also immunity to illness, so there is no better reason to take action.
Things you can do to connect with people at work which will lead to better mental health at work
- Arrange to meet people regularly. Monthly lunches dates with colleagues work well.
- Set up a work club around a social interest.
- Reach out to a client you’ve lost contact with. Send them an email or give them a call.
- Contact someone from a different department you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Arrange a non-work coffee morning.
- Be yourself. Don’t fake it.
- Schedule time to have a chat with your colleagues.
- Join meetings early and start or join the conversation about non-work topics.
- Give a colleague a lift to work or share the journey home with them. Even better set up a car share scheme.
- Try team-building exercises or one of our team-building days that are not work-related such as physical challenges. Contact us for more information.
- Try a sporting or physical activity with co-workers. We can help you with this.
- Schedule non-work social time such as lunch or a break.
- Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you. Ask questions!
- Start small. Pick just one or two people to focus on and widen your social circle at work. Choose someone you have things in common with.
- Volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group. Find out how to volunteer on the GOV.UK website.
- Identify a co-worker who you think may need support or company and contact them.
- Make the effort to talk to your co-workers more. Try not to avoid small talk and notice your avoidant behaviours.
Don’t
- Don’t rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It’s easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people. Applications such as Zoom and Teams are better, but nothing is a good as face-to-face.
- Don’t worry about rejection. If small talk is a bit uncomfortable, persevere. You will grow.
Mental wellbeing while working from home or if you are ill
In this situation, it is impossible to meet face-to-face. The most effective ways to connect are those that mimic face-to-face communication such as Zoom and Teams.
When working from home, it is even more important to allocate and schedule time to connect and build relationships with colleagues. Many of the points above can be adapted to remote working situations.
If you are ill, taking care of your mind as well as your body is really important, especially if you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You may feel worried or anxious about your health or those close to you. Perhaps you feel bored, frustrated or lonely. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently.
Remember, for most of us, these feelings will pass. Staying at home may be difficult, but you’re helping to protect yourself and others by doing it.
There are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel if you’re staying at home. Make sure you get further support if you feel you need it. The government also has wider guidance on staying at home as a result of COVID-19.
Build connections to build your mental health
The key message is to strengthen and broaden your range of work relationships and work-based social networks. Spend time with your colleagues and make time for conversation.
Your connections as the cornerstones of your work life, so invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you and your organisation every day.