People who Need People... Are the Luckiest People...

Last week, I talked to three hundred kids about all the good that comes from being socially and emotionally connected to one another.  This was actually my way of introducing "Start with Hello,"  - a violence prevention initiative that emphasises a school climate of connectedness and inclusivity (written and promoted by Sandy Hook Promise).  Let me tell you, third, fourth and fifth graders are remarkably perceptive when it comes to the positive results of being included, and the negative impacts of being socially isolated. They are also - for the most part -  incredibly accepting and empathic towards others.  Got me to thinking...

What about us?

I've heard many people say that they don't come to work to make friends. Really, though?  Because most of my BFFs are my work pals. The social contact at work is often what makes it fun! Guess what happens in the workplace when people interact, enjoy each other, become friends, and support each other?

  • There is an overall improvement in physical and mental health, which means a reduction in sick time being taken, and improved career longevity (THIS IS HUGE!!)
  • People are more likely to learn from others, and model positive behaviors when they like and respect each other.
  • There is an overal improvement in loyalty to the organization, and increased work productivity - we step up when we know that others believe in us, when we care about what our coworkers think of us, and when we know that others rely on us. 
  • People who have friends at work are generally happier humans. 
There's more, but need I really say more?

And, what about the effects of social isolation in the workplace?  What happens to us when we don't feel liked or appreciated by our coworkers?  Seems fairly obvious...

  • More job stress
  • Less commitment to the organization, and to the people of the organization
  • Higher levels of anxiety and anger - meaning increased physical and mental health problems, more sick time being taken, and higher staff turnover (THIS IS HUGE!!)
So, yeah, people need people.  It's science.  

With all this in mind, a loud shout out to my work buddies... we are what gets us through the rough days, and we are what make them the good days.   







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Time and Space and Everything in Between

Image
I think it's time for an update on our lives with Mum. Since August of 2022, things have been going very well down in Virginia. Anna moved to stay with her in August of '22.  The idea was to live rent free, while helping to take care of Gamma, saving some money, and paying off some of her bills.  It's been a very symbiotic relationship, and Anna has done a tremendous job. They have done a lot of walking, dog training, outings to wild areas and conservatories.  They have had regular meditation sessions, and done painting together.  The jigsaw puzzles have not been so appealing to Gamma, but we keep trying.   Gamma is losing her ability to converse effectively.  This is stressful for her, because she likes to stay in touch with her friends and family.  Fortunately, folks are doing their best to reach out to her, often. She is also not reading as much as she used to. Reading was always one of Mum's hobbies, but now she is struggling to remember what she h...
Read more

All is Well

Image
  Mum often calls me with concern in her voice, over one thing or another.  I'll spend some time chatting with her and we will end our conversation by repeating to each other, "all is well."  These three little words have become words of comfort to Mum and me, since the poem of the same name, by Henry Scott-Holland, was shared with me after my father's death.  The end of the poem says,  Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval,  Somewhere very near,  Just around the corner,  All is Well For Mum and me, these words are a comforting reminder that Dad is here, still a part of our lives, and that all is completely well.  These words, have become something of a mantra when we are maneuvering through life's challenges.  Gamma - so many of us know her as Gamma - has dementia.  We've seen it coming for a while, and it was recently made official.  The diagnosis, in my mind, changes...
Read more

Taking Time to Remember

Image
My grandfather passed away a month before Christmas when I was ten.  It was my first experience with the death of someone close to me, and my heart was broken in to pieces.  Granddad had been living with us through the end stages of his lung cancer.  Every evening before I went to bed, I sat with him to chat about the day.  He used to watch a TV program called "Songs of Praise," and I remember the sound of a choir singing hymns floating around our home.  Because of the season of his death, the carol, "In the Bleak Midwinter" has always taken me back to those precious evenings developing a closeness with my Granddad that was destined to break my heart.  My father died on a Wednesday morning at 5:45am. For several months afterwards, on Wednesdays, at 5:45am, as I was running up the hill towards my home, I would hear a particular song on my playlist. The song continues to hold special meaning - along with several others - and I continue to hear it played a...
Read more