OSHA’s proposed workplace violence rule: How healthcare HR can prepare now
Workplace safety
Research shows that rising loneliness and isolation is harmful to our mental and physical health and wellbeing and can have serious consequences for organizations.
A recent advisory issued by the US Surgeon General says loneliness and social disconnection is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. Creating a culture of connection is one of the pillars of the Surgeon General’s framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection.
Helping employees build stronger support systems enhances interactions and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing. Training employees and managers on social wellness is one of the tools to help individuals develop meaningful relationships and connections that fulfill a basic psychological need and prevent feelings of isolation, loneliness and disconnect.
Social wellness is about forming healthy relationships, having a positive influence on others, developing a strong support system, feeling connected to other people and having a sense of belonging.
For individuals, the benefits include better communication, increased emotional resilience, self-esteem and sense of security – all of which promote positive interpersonal relationships, higher engagement, retention and productivity.
Employee social wellness is one of the eight interconnected dimensions of employee health and wellbeing, including emotional, physical, financial, intellectual, occupational, and spiritual wellness. A change in one dimension can have an impact on the others – either positive or negative.
A sense of belonging is an important aspect of social wellness and a driver of engagement and wellbeing to feel part of a group, as well as professional identity and purpose.
Results of a 2023 survey of 2,515 US employees by the American Psychological Association underscored the value that individuals place on feeling part of a group through emotional connection and social ties with coworkers: 94% of respondents said it’s somewhat or very important that their workplace be a place where they feel they belong.
Managers are a key factor in setting the tone and through their words and actions, so team members feel supported and psychologically safe to be themselves.
Whether employees are on-site, remote or hybrid, managers can foster a workplace culture where employees can have meaningful connections with others and feel a sense of belonging by:
Approaching employee health and wellness through a multidimensional lens leads to more effective programs that address the many factors influencing employee wellbeing. Sign up for a free trial of Social Wellness and other courses in Traliant’s Health and Wellness Suite.