In this blog series surrounding the Surgeon General’s Framework, we will be breaking down each of the five essentials for workplace mental-health & well-being and ways you can implement the recommendations into your workplace.
To read our recommendations on Essential 1: Protection from Harm, click here.
ESSENTIAL 2: COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
The next well-being essential focuses on our human need for both communication and connection in the workplace. For us to belong, we need to feel accepted and valued. This provides us comfort and security. When we feel the support of our colleagues, our minds can be more at ease, which allows us to contribute more openly and effectively in our roles.
According to the Surgeon General’s report, there are three primary components to supporting this essential. These things need to happen for a community with authentic employee connections to thrive:
- Cultivate trusting relationships.
- Foster collaboration and teamwork.
- Create a culture of inclusion.
So, how do we begin to work towards or strengthen these (perhaps) existing elements in our workplaces? Let’s break it down.
It does not require a large budget or fancy incentives to build a strong, inclusive community, but it does require active participation from all team members.
Ways to Implement in Your Workplace – Essential 2 – Community and Connection
Building trust absolutely requires the presence of psychological safety. (This need will show up repeatedly when talking about well-being.) It’s important for all team members to actively practice creating this safe space on your team.
Dos and Don’ts to Consider:
- Don’t miss opportunities to discuss your own insecurities and challenges with your colleagues. Being vulnerable will support others’ ability to trust you and encourage that same type of sharing.
- Do feel empowered to address behavior (seen or heard) that does not align with cultivating trust. Ask your manager or leader to clarify what is/is not acceptable team behaviors, so that individuals have guidance on what to do/not to do. There might be a lack of awareness.
- Do call out positive behaviors and actions. Acknowledge efforts and show gratitude. It might catch people off guard at first, but it provides an opportunity for a stronger connection between others, which will begin to strengthen trust.
Collaborating is working with others to produce something. Doing things together and reaching common goals will naturally create a community. To do this successfully, we need to be able to communicate. If we aren’t communicating, then we aren’t really collaborating, and communicating is so much more than just talking.
Dos and Don’ts to Consider:
- Do really listen to what others are saying. Repeat it back to them to ensure clarity if necessary, and explain you are doing so to make sure you understand their perspective. Write things down if needed.
- Don’t provide unnecessary details or try to impress others when sharing or explaining. Be specific and intentional. Your talent will shine in other ways, trust me.
- Do think before you speak. Who you are talking to matters. Take the extra moment to consider the audience and situation, before you proceed. The effort will be well worth your time when working in a team.
- Don’t gossip. It’s hard I know. We get triggered, we get annoyed and it’s a release to vent to colleagues about others. However, it is toxic for a team. Practice being transparent and open and addressing conflicts or situations directly, not talking about them behind the scenes.
The concept of culture sometimes feels very high level. It can be difficult to think that we, as individuals, can impact an organization’s culture. But we absolutely can, and by actively practicing prosocial behavior (acting in a way that benefits others), we welcome inclusivity into our culture with open arms. Even focusing on an act as simple as cooperation.
Dos and Don’ts to Consider:
- Do understand the difference between collaboration and cooperation. Both support positive culture, but collaboration focuses on shared goals, while cooperation encourages helping others meet their goals. But it’s a win/win. The ROI of cooperating is expanding our own horizons, learning about diverse perspectives, and improving our performance and creativity.
- Do take the initiative by creating a guideline for cooperating on your team. Put together tactics that people could look at to help navigate a situation, to support a more inclusive experience and outcome for those involved.
- Do things you don’t necessarily understand. You will learn in the process and maybe even see the value.
- Don’t forget to demonstrate cooperation. Show others how it is done through your words and actions. Take advantage of situations where you can provide unsolicited assistance.
- Do provide options and choices for others to consider. Share your perspective about their goals.
In Conclusion
It’s evident that the power of community and connection in the workplace is immeasurable. These are not ideas but actionable steps that can be integrated into our daily work lives. By cultivating trust, fostering collaboration, and championing inclusion, we pave the way for a more productive and fulfilling work environment. Remember, it’s not about huge transformations happening overnight; it’s about the little things we do consistently that accumulate into a culture of well-being. So, take these insights, embrace them, and make a conscious effort to contribute positively to your workplace’s well-being. You have the capacity to make a significant impact, not only on your own life but on the lives of those around you, forging a stronger, more connected professional community for all.
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