Why your Employee Experience is only as good as your Social Health

Understanding the profound significance of social health is key in an era where effective collaboration and employee well-being are paramount in the workplace.

Social health goes beyond physical and mental well-being – it's about building a strong connection and fostering a thriving environment.

Amidst this, understanding the new rules for engagement is paramount. More than ever, effective management is intricately linked to the understanding of individual uniqueness - recognising employees' abilities, aspirations, and optimal working methods.

In this article, we discuss what we mean by social health, and how prioritising social health in the workplace aligns with the new rules of engagement, empowers teams, and gives work meaning.

• What is social health?
• Why is social health important in the workplace?
• Examples of social health in the workplace
• How employers can improve social health

What is social health?

The very definition of social health is the ability to interact and form meaningful relationships with others.

Social health is more than just a term; it's the glue that binds a team together, promoting collaboration, boosting productivity, and contributing to overall well-being.

One prominent champion of social health, Julia Hobsbawm, goes even further to describe social health meaning how we connect better, more meaningfully, to raise our game, to raise our self-esteem, to raise our trust in ourselves and what we can achieve.

Hobsbawm sees knowledge, networks and time as social health’s equivalent to exercise, nutrition, and sleep. A triumvirate she refers to as the K.N.O.T – the functional flow of Knowledge and Networks, happening at the right Time, intended to address drowning in ‘infobesity’.

Some social health examples include:

• Being Respectful
• Having Boundaries
• Maintaining Positive Relationships
• Being Yourself
• Having Fun

Why is social health important in the workplace?

Social health is crucial for many reasons. Let's take a closer look at the specific reasons why it's so important in the workplace:

A Sense of Inclusion and Belonging:

Fostering a sense of belonging within an organisation is the strongest driver of employee engagement. When employees feel connected and included, it enhances overall job satisfaction and loyalty to the business. A workplace that prioritises social health fosters a supportive community, reducing feelings of isolation and burnout, promoting a collaborative atmosphere.

Higher Employee Engagement:

Engaged employees are more likely to feel connected to their work and their organisation. Social interactions with colleagues and a sense of purpose contribute to higher levels of engagement.

Enhanced Job Satisfaction:

Positive social interactions in the workplace contribute to greater job satisfaction. When employees have supportive relationships with colleagues, they are more likely to enjoy their work, leading to increased morale and motivation.

Improved Well-being and Morale:

A more socially healthy workplace contributes to improved overall well-being, creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and connected. This, in essence, enhances morale throughout the organisation.

Boosted Productivity:

A socially healthy environment encourages employees to collaborate seamlessly, driving increased engagement by inspiring them to contribute their best efforts towards shared goals. This heightened engagement becomes a cornerstone for amplified productivity, as employees are more likely to invest their time and skills wholeheartedly when they feel connected and valued within the workplace.

The benefits of in-person connections are apparent, but as Hobsbawm observes, “companies are adjusting to the realisation that they can't just demand and impose a return to the office without making a case for it. The challenge, and opportunity, is for leaders to take this moment of rebuild and the literacy we’ve developed about wellbeing, and to say, ‘We're your workplace’.”

Examples of social health in the workplace

Understanding what constitutes good social health is essential for fostering a positive and interconnected work environment. So, here are some clear social health examples to give you a tangible sense of what an employee with ‘good’ social health looks like:

They are effective communicators: Employees with good social health are skilled communicators, both in listening and expressing themselves. They actively engage in conversations, ask questions, and provide clear and concise information.

They are respectful to others: Employees with good social health treat all colleagues with respect, regardless of their position or background. They value diversity and promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment.

They have a work-life balance: Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for social health because it ensures that an employee has time to nurture personal relationships outside of work. This balance helps prevent burnout and promotes well-being in all aspects of life.

They actively participate in networking: By building and maintaining professional networks it signals good social health as it reflects the ability to establish and nurture relationships that can be beneficial for personal and career development.

They are emotionally intelligent: Emotional intelligence is a key component of social health as it enables individuals to navigate complex social situations, understand their own emotions, and connect with others on an emotional level. It helps build deeper and more meaningful relationships.

They are highly engaged: High engagement and morale are indicators of strong social health, as they demonstrate that employees are satisfied, motivated, and connected within the workplace.

How employers can improve social health

Fostering a workplace environment that prioritises social health is pivotal for both employee well-being and organisational success.

This sentiment is underscored by Hobsbawm who emphasises, “The future of successful, productive, harmonious work is also about recognising that who we are, in our heads and our hearts, is totally linked to how well we work and how much we feel part of something that matters.”

Hobsbawm goes on to say that “if you want to have better equality and diversity and productivity, you have to give everybody time and money for networking. If you believe in the value of breaking bread with people, then you have to give people the opportunity to do so.”

Here are some ideas on how to improve social health in your workplace:

Establish clear communication channels

Since social health relies heavily on effective communication, employers can create clear communication channels to allow employees to voice their opinions and ideas. Additionally, employers can encourage regular one-on-ones between employees and their managers to create open and honest discussions.

Being 'boldly transparent' with employees is also highly recommended. This means fostering a culture of openness and honesty within the company, which not only cultivates a positive work environment but also correlates with innovation and forward-thinking leadership.

Foster social connections

Fostering social connections in the workplace is invaluable, enhancing employee well-being, teamwork, and engagement for overall social health. This sense of connection contributes to employee retention, as individuals are more likely to stay in a workplace where they feel a strong sense of community. Beyond its internal impact, prioritising social bonds enhances the company's appeal, attracting top talent and creating a competitive edge in the business landscape.

Take inspiration from successful practices, such as the Swedish tradition of 'Fika', which involves a designated break for cake and coffee. In Sweden, many companies recognise the value of promoting employee connections during this voluntary break. It serves as an example of how structured opportunities for informal interactions can contribute to a more connected and socially healthy work environment.

By adapting such practices to your workplace culture, you can foster a sense of community and strengthen interpersonal relationships among your team members.

Team-building and social events

When was the last time your company did some form of team building or off-site experience day? Activities outside of the workplace promote bonding among employees, which can lead to stronger working relationships and improved social health.

This aligns perfectly seamlessly with our 'Unite Them' rule of engagement in the workplace, emphasising that employees are more likely to go the extra mile when they sense a shared commitment among colleagues. Whether through traditional team-building events or virtual hangouts, these activities play a crucial role in creating and maintaining connections.

Recognition and rewards

Did you know that employees who receive written recognition are 2x more likely to feel inspired?

Beyond numbers, recognising employees' achievements boosts morale and reinforces a sense of belonging and appreciation. Ways you can do this include regularly acknowledging individual and team accomplishments, investing in your employee's growth, or organising surprise celebrations when reaching a project milestone.

By empowering workers to realise their full potential you can create an environment where individuals feel valued and supported which can ultimately enhance engagement and social health.

Support work-life balance

A good work-life balance allows employees to have social interactions outside of work, strengthening their relationships with family and friends, which can positively affect well-being and social health.

Employers can not only encourage a culture that supports work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements but they can also communicate the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Prioritise inclusivity and diversity

Social health is bolstered by inclusivity and respect for diversity. When all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background, it cultivates a culture of genuine inclusivity.

This aligns perfectly with the importance of tracking collective and individual behaviours within your teams. By closely monitoring interactions and engagement, you can identify opportunities for greater diversity and inclusion. Recognising and addressing gaps in participation or collaboration ensures that your commitment to inclusivity goes beyond words, actively fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included.