It is more important than ever before for employees to maintain their social health in an era when social connections for individuals are rapidly changing. Socially successful people frequently live longer and have better health.
There is a strong correlation between social health and overall well-being as research continues. Additionally, it generally results in happier workers, which is never a bad thing.
Socially solid workers are:
Less pushed
More useful
Better by and large
Serve their organization better
More imaginative and versatile
Have more self-assurance
More faithful to their organization and colleagues
What does Social Health means ?
Social health is an individual’s capacity to cultivate satisfying and healthy interpersonal relationships.
Social Health looks like :
- Being able to adapt to social situations and remain true to yourself in all situations.
- balancing your personal and social time.
- engaging with others in your community.
- developing and maintaining friendships.
- setting boundaries in relationships.
- and having a supportive family and friends network.
Social health is a pillar of wellness because it relates to how easily we can adapt to social situations and our support system for overcoming obstacles in life.
Physical Health Impacted by Poor Social Health
You may have noticed that your mental and physical health suffer when you are depressed. If you avoided social interaction during those times, your overall health probably suffered more as a result.
A number of Social health problems, including:
Irritation
Coronary illness
Hypertension
Smothered insusceptible framework
Persistent medical issue
Psychological wellness issues like tension
Mental Health Impacts of Social Media
You might turn to social media in an effort to avoid time alone. When you get caught up in comparisons and/or superficial relationships, research demonstrates that this frequently has the opposite effect as intended.
Studies indicate that social media has a significant impact on mental health because it can make people feel more isolated and alone.
Understanding what it means to have genuine relationships is another aspect of social health. Even when they are not alone, people can still experience feelings of loneliness because being with other people does not guarantee that you will feel accepted or connected. The distinction between quantity and quality comes into play here.
How to Promote Social Well-Being at Work
Social health, like other aspects of health, takes time and effort. It is an ideal time to reevaluate and improve it now that we have returned from our isolation during the pandemic and reset.
Think about how you can help your employees feel connected to one another through interests other than work in the workplace. Obviously, relationships can’t be forced, but it would be beneficial for them to build their social network authentically.
Encourage employees to be socially healthy:
Gather once a month to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, work anniversaries, milestones, and accomplishing team goals.
Go beyond happy hour and encourage people to get to know each other at non-work meetings.
Socially beneficial activities like coffee breaks and team-building days can bring your team together.
Even if Zoom is still used, sharing meals is an excellent way for people to connect.
If you are able to do so in person, you might want to organize a lunch and learn event with a social hour either before or afterward.
Create wellness programs for the group and connect your team socially to get social benefits for physical health as well.
Create fitness and wellness challenges as a team to offer employees a variety of support options.
What exactly is social health then? Simply put, ensuring that your employees maintain positive relationships with others and maintain social connections. After the pandemic lockdowns, there are a few options for regaining that crucial emotional aspect of health.
The need for social interaction with other people is real, as you may have experienced during the pandemic. Take advantage of the opportunity to reset and refocus intentionally on enhancing workplace opportunities for social health as your team reunites, whether in person or remotely.
