We spend 1/3 of our lives at work.
And research across decades has proven time and time again that connection matters more than we tend to give it credit for. If 1/3 of our lives is spent absent of any meaningful relationships – or worse, filled with cantankerous ones, it’s inevitably going to take a toll on our well-being.
But how can we build meaningful relationships in a professional capacity without crossing boundaries or forsaking our privacy?
Well, fortunately, relationships don’t have to be completely indulgent or even intimate to be meaningful. In fact, meaningful relationships are generally developed through consistent positive social connections, which are built on areas like:
Longitudinal studies of adult development have found that more than money and fame - close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives. Ultimately, over the lifespan this results in:
In order to harness these benefits at work, managers and employees alike should facilitate peer-to-peer and manager-to-employee connections, by focusing on the following key outcomes.
This can be facilitated through the implementation of check-ins that are distinct from performance management check-ins, demonstrating care and concern for employee well-being, and generally ensuring that employees have all of the tools required in order to perform their roles effectively.
This includes employees from nontraditional backgrounds, employees from cultures that may not be represented in the office, and any group that is otherwise marginalised. It’s critical to examine their perceptions of inclusion and belonging, as it may drastically differ from the majority.
This means creating an environment where psychological safety and trust are present and one where collaboration and teamwork are encouraged and rewarded in a way that ensures the workload is fairly divided and recognised.
While of course this is easier said than done, by focusing attention on these five outcomes areas, managers and employees alike will be contributing to building an environment where human connection, empathy, and well-being are able to flourish – creating a better environment for everyone and one where the business is able to thrive.