Access Recording – Fostering A Culture Of Connection
Did you know that social isolation and loneliness can severely impact an individual’s physical health and mental wellbeing? In the workplace, this translates to disengagement, lowered productivity, absenteeism and higher turnover. What’s more, one in four Australians have reported feeling lonely in the last year.Given that we spend one third of our lives at work, it makes sense for workplaces to tackle employee loneliness and social isolation head on by facilitating a supportive, connected workplace. So, how do we foster a more connected workplace culture? What tools are available to reduce employee loneliness? And how can we manage barriers to connection?
Facilitator:
Holly Pryor
Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar
Holly is passionate about sharing knowledge with organisations and individuals to empower them to make meaningful changes in the mental health space. Holly has worked in community, private and organisational settings, and is interested in mindfulness and the interpersonal aspects of psychology in the workplace.
If you missed the session and would like to learn more about this topic, we have listed some of the key learnings from this session. Alternatively, you can scroll down to the bottom of this page and access the full recording.
Why a culture of connection is important?
As human beings, our need for social connection is deeply rooted within us – to feel safe and protected, we are biologically wired to seek out and maintain social networks. When an individual is socially isolated or lonely, it can seriously impact their physical and mental health. In the workplace, this translates to disengagement, lowered productivity, absenteeism and higher turnover. Given that we spend one third of our lives at work, it’s important for workplaces to tackle employee loneliness and social isolation head on by facilitating a supportive, connected workplace.
How prevalent is loneliness?
- 37% of Australian workers feel lonely at work. (Workplace Loneliness report, 2019)
- 15% of Australians felt lonely within the past month. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021)
- Men appear to be particularly vulnerable to experiencing loneliness. (Australian Psychological Society, 2018).
Workplace connections have always been a priority
- Relationships with colleagues are the number one contributor to employee engagement.
- Workplace connections are a priority to 77% of respondents. (The Society for Human Resource Management’s Employee Job Satisfaction Report, 2016)
Overcoming loneliness in the workplace
- Identify and remove barriers to connection.
- Create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and engagement.
Tips for fostering connection
- Promote face to face interaction (where possible)
- Include all members of the team
- Make time for collaboration
- Plan enjoyable activities
- Lead by example
- Create a culture of support
- Encourage conversation
- Create opportunities for staff to get to know one another
- Develop supportive onboarding processes
- Celebrate staff success and effort
- Make diversity and inclusion a priority
- Foster trust and psychological safety
Tips for fostering connection in a hybrid working environment
- Encourage and model regular check-ins.
- Alternate events across days of the week.
- Encourage collaboration on projects.
SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING
- G.P.
See your GP if you or someone you know is concerned about loneliness - Psychologist
With a Mental Health Care Plan through your GP - Lifeline
If you are in a state of crisis – Ph: 13 11 14
