Connecting work, home and community

Feeling close to (and valued by) other people is a fundamental human need. Without it, we don’t function well in the world ... and this goes just as much for our work lives. 

No matter your age, gender, background or role, social relationships are crucial for promoting physical and mental wellbeing. 

When social support acts to help maintain good physical and mental health, it appears to buffer against the full impact of mental and physical illness. The result at work is the prevention of injury and illness generally. So, good supervisory support and leadership at work can encourage wellbeing, reduce absences and increase productivity.

Social factors and returning to work

After an illness, trauma, accident or workplace injury, social factors play a big role in returning to work. In fact, did you know that social isolation and low levels of social support is associated with the worsening of a host of medical conditions? That’s why the idea of “all work and no play” is being challenged. 

Social connections at work matter

Fostering social connections in the workplace is about focusing on the positive impact that social support at work can have on employees and organisations. 

It’s a simple idea, social connections encourage engagement within the workplace, promote overall wellbeing and ultimately help build work environments where employees reach their potential. Workplaces that understand this can benefit through improved safety and increased productivity.