Social Connection and Community Building
The most basic human need is for companionship and a sense
of belonging, and these are the building blocks of social connections. Better
mental health, more resilience, and greater life satisfaction have all been
associated with strong social bonds. A person's social connections, whether
they be familial, friend-based, or community-based, serve as a support system
that aids in overcoming obstacles in life (Treasury Board of Canada
Secretariat, 2017).
Intentionally providing places and chances for people to
gather, exchange stories, and work together is what community building is all
about. This can take place on many different scales, from neighborhood groups
and interest groups at the local level to global internet communities. The
unifying theme is the establishment of spaces where individuals are
acknowledged, listened to, and appreciated (Melnyk et al., 2016).
The effect on psychological well-being of social connections
is strong. Having meaningful relationships, going to social events, and taking
part in group conversations all help one feel more fulfilled and purposeful.
Being part of a community that has your back when you're going through tough
circumstances is an invaluable asset (Cooks-Campbell, 2021).
In addition to bolstering individuals' well-being, community
building also strengthens societies. Communities that are well-built are better
able to withstand economic, environmental, and social disasters. When members
of a community work together, they are better able to solve problems, share
resources, and establish common values and standards (Smith et al., 2023).
The potential for social interaction and community formation
has been greatly enhanced by technological advancements. People all over the
world can find others who share their interests through online forums, social
media, and virtual gatherings. To cultivate deeper, more meaningful
relationships, it's crucial to strike a balance between virtual conversations
and in-person engagements, even while technology makes connecting easier (Smith
et al., 2023).
One way to foster a sense of community is through local
activities, events, and shared spaces. Residents can connect with one another
and develop a feeling of community pride and shared identity through activities
such as farmer's markets, neighborhood meetings, and cultural events (Strand,
Eng and Gammon, 2020).
Helping one's community through volunteer work is an
effective strategy. In addition to meeting social requirements, community
building occurs when people pool their resources and work together for a common
goal. The act of volunteering fosters a spirit of mutual aid and starts a
positive feedback loop in the neighborhood (Oglethorpe, 2023).
Good blog on Employee Well-being. As per George Homans' Social Exchange Theory connections between people are reciprocal. HR may promote a positive work environment by putting in place procedures that put workers' welfare first. According to the hypothesis, this fosters a favorable social interchange that raises commitment and satisfaction with work.
ReplyDeleteYour blog brilliantly underscores how social connections wield a profound influence on employee well-being. From reducing stress to fostering engagement and resilience, the ripple effects of these connections are immense.
ReplyDeleteAs senior professional in the IT industry, social connection and community building is important now than never due to the remote work procedures that has come in to practice post pandemic. In Sri Lanka this went further due to the then economic situation & fuel crisis, where IT companies had to keep continuing the remote work procedures. A huge drawback in this process has been the social disconnectedness in employees and loss of empathy sometimes as they are individually not known to each other. Hence this topic is highly valid for the IT industry in specific.
ReplyDelete(Becker et al., 2022) discusses how post COVID remote work impacted employees in terms of loneliness and job control. This is another aspect where we direly need social connection as employees tend to get psychologically impacted when they work remotely without much social connection.