In May, Pew Research Center reported a third of Americans felt high levels of psychological distress during a two-month social distancing period.
In an era that's rapidly changing social connections for individuals, now more than ever it's important for employees to maintain their social health. Those who are socially well often live longer and enjoy better health.
The more researchers look into it, the more they’re finding a tie between good social health and overall well-being. Plus, it means employees are generally happier which is never a bad thing!
Socially healthy employees are:
Ready to learn more about social health and how to encourage it in the workplace? Read on!
Social health is the ability of individuals to form healthy and rewarding interpersonal relationships with others.
Good social health looks like:
Social health is considered a pillar of wellness as it relates to how comfortably we can adapt in social situations and includes our support structure to get through life’s challenges.
You may have noticed that when you’re feeling down and out, that your physical and mental health suffers. During those periods, if you shied away from connecting with others, you also likely felt more of an impact on your overall health.
Poor social health can cause a variety of health issues including:
Research shows the quality and quantity of relationships have an effect on mental and physical health. Loneliness, it turns out, can even be more dangerous than smoking, according to research by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
In older adults, it’s even more cause for concern. And that’s not just taking retiree-aged individuals into account. A recent 2020 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report found that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely. Of those 65 and older, nearly one-fourth of that population fall into the category of “socially isolated.”
It’s important to know that while uncomfortable, there is a distinct difference between being alone and chronic loneliness. A 2019 Psychology Today article by psychotherapist Amy Morin reported that loneliness isn’t only bad for one’s mental health, but it can send someone to an early death.
The comparison is that being chronically lonely is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Being alone is different, though, and can be good for one’s health.
The difference:
In an effort to avoid alone time, you may turn to social media. This often has the opposite effect intended when you get caught up in comparisons and/or superficial relationships, research shows.
Studies report the effects of social media on mental health are significant as it can make people feel more disconnected and lonely.
Social health means also discovering what authentic relationships feel like. Individuals can still feel lonely when not alone since being with people doesn’t ensure that you feel connected or accepted. That’s where the idea of quality versus quantity comes into play.
In an era where social likes and “new friends” on social media may look like someone is winning the popularity contest, it doesn’t mean they actually are. Having a ton of friends on social media doesn’t ensure or even promote high-quality relationships — a key requirement for balanced social health.
As humans, we need significant, close interpersonal connections to be socially healthy. That’s why social distancing — and its extensions — have been hard for so many. We thrive on being able to connect and socialize with our closest people.
But it’s also been shown that video conferencing can step in as a sort of interim consolation when individuals aren’t able to visit their network in-person. In a 2018 study BMC Geriatrics study, older individuals in care environments found video calls reduced loneliness.
Like other aspects of health, good social health takes time and effort. As we come back from our pandemic isolation and reset, it’s an ideal time to reevaluate improving it.
In the workplace, consider how you can help your employees feel connected over passions other than work. Relationships can’t be forced, obviously, but think of the good it would do them to authentically build their social network.
Ways to encourage socially-healthy employees:
So, what is social health? In a nutshell, keeping your employees socially connected and in healthy relationships with others. The above are just a few ways to rebuild that important emotional aspect of health coming out of pandemic lockdowns.
As you may have experienced during the pandemic, the need for social interaction with others is real. As your team reconnects — whether in-person or afar — take this opportunity to reset and refocus intentionally on improving social health opportunities in the workplace.
Want to keep your team feeling connected even from afar? Check out our free downloadable guide: The Ultimate Resource Guide for Remote Teamwork & Wellness Success. In it, you’ll find a collection of resources and tips to keep your teammates feeling connected no matter how far apart they may be.