Social Connection, a Sense of Community, and Well-Being
Mental health heavily influences the quality of our lives, especially our professional lives given the amount of time in which we are engaged in them. One significant way that mental health can be maintained is through finding a sense of community at work.
Community can be defined in many ways, but when simplified down to its most important element, community is all about connection. Community is not just an entity or a group of work colleagues; it is a feeling. It’s feeling connected to others, feeling accepted for who you are, and feeling supported. Having that connection can help us feel appreciated and valued.
According to a landmark study by Stanford, social connection improves physical health, mental and emotional well-being and that a lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure. Strong social connection:
- leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity
- strengthens your immune system(research by Steve Cole shows that genes impacted by loneliness also code for immune function and inflammation)
- helps you recover from disease faster
- may even lengthen your life!
People who feel more connected to others also have lower levels of anxiety and depression, as well as higher self-esteem, and greater empathy for others. They are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. In other words, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true for those who lack social connectedness. Low levels of social connection are associated with declines in physical and psychological health as well as a higher likelihood for antisocial behavior that leads to further isolation.
In a 24/7 economy, people now spend so much time at work that their social connections and sense of community are often casualties. It is among the unfortunate ironies of modern life that people have never had so many ways to connect, yet more and more of us feel disconnected. People often work in isolation, without a sense of community. A sense of aloneness matters. Loneliness is associated with a 26% jump in mortality risk, according to 2019 research from Brigham Young University, putting it on par with smoking and obesity in terms of its impact on a person’s risk for death. It also drives up the odds for many other prevalent health/mental health conditions: hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and addiction. This dynamic also exists in the workplace. What does a sense of community and connection at work bring us?
Belonging
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in at work, you know it can be a lonely experience. Community provides a sense of belonging — a group you identify as being a part of. This is different than conforming to be in a group. A true sense of belonging includes the ability for you to feel you are a part of the community, even within the larger organization, as your true self. There is not anything you have to change to be a part of the community, but instead, you are embraced and appreciated for your unique qualities.
Support
Who do you turn to when you need something? Having people you can call on at work when you need to talk or need help with something can help you through difficult situations that might feel insurmountable alone. Knowing there are people who support you can help you feel cared for and safe and can improve your outlook on life.
Humans crave connection, especially during long work days. Feeling accepted for who you truly are can give you validation and self-worth. Knowing there are people who support you and will be there for you when you’re struggling provides a sense of safety. And knowing you’re needed and that you have a purpose reminds you that you are valued. Community and connection provide all these qualities and more.