Social Wellbeing: Connecting in this crisis.
As we face this crisis together, it is more important now than ever to prioritise our social wellbeing and foster quality connections with our family, friends and colleagues.
But how can we increase connection, with lockdown and other physical distancing measures in place?
Kotahitanga (togetherness) is one of Best of Today's key messages
A strong sense of belonging and togetherness is essential for our wellbeing. Whether it's sourced from family, friends or co-workers, people have an inherent desire to belong and be part of something greater than themselves.
Feeling this sense of belonging is a protective factor that strengthens our resilience. In contrast, feelings of loneliness are a sign that we are disconnected to our sense of belonging.
Positive feedback can be shared from anywhere
Research has proven that receiving positive feedback provides a higher dose of happiness in the brain than a financial bonus. Great leaders (knowing that everyone is a leader in their own way) take the time to acknowledge others. This is even more important now during lockdown.
If you've participated in our 8-week workplace wellbeing programme, you'll remember that Box 3 is all about Social Wellbeing. It focusses on increasing our sense of belonging and feeling of being connected to and valued by other people.
During Box 3, participants are encouraged to give and receive positive feedback and acknowledgment, both at home and at work. Initially, if we're not used to this, it can be difficult to do. But, we know that the benefits are felt very quickly after experiencing both giving and receiving acknowledgement.
Positive acknowledgement is tremendously energising for our social wellbeing.
Gauging your sense of connection
During this challenging lockdown period, it is more important than ever to prioritise your social wellbeing. Ask yourself these questions (you can do this even if you haven't participated in Best of Today programme).
How can you increase your sense of Kotahitanga (togetherness) during this lockdown period? Both at home and at work.
Do you feel more or less connected to others NOW than you did a week ago? How does it feel differently now than it did a week ago?
What place does technology have in this crisis?
We have been hearing from our Best of Today clients that people have been using technology differently and taking the time to be more present to connect.
All of a sudden, people are sitting down and having a wine with long distance friends via Zoom who they haven’t spoken to in years. Families are creating group chats with their grandparents. These are some healthy ways to use technology for our wellbeing.
You only have to ask a Cantabrian who lived through the earthquakes to know it’s true that in times of a crisis we learn what’s truly important and the power of reaching out to others.
People are having more quality connections now than they did before being isolated.
In pre-lockdown life, we were more likely to be distracted when connecting with others. Devices were for work and for ticking off our ‘to-do list’ items rather than to pause, be present and to have quality connections with people around us.
Social media was for mindlessly scrolling through other people’s post and finding we are comparing ourselves to others.
Now, after 7 days in our bubble we are experiencing deeper and more meaningful connections with the people who matter to us via technology in a way that we may not have been doing before.
Taking the time to check in with your family, friends and colleagues via Facetime, Zoom, What’s App is energising for our social wellbeing!
How can I increase connection with my team during lockdown?
Here are some leadership ideas for increasing Kotahitanga (togetherness) with your team during lockdown.
Your people need to feel valued by you and the company! Send 3 emails a day to 3 separate people giving positive feedback, gratitude and / or appreciation to them.
Delegate Friday night office drinks. Each team member takes turns hosting the virtual session, coming up with a new idea each week.
Provide your team with a sense of belonging, e.g. Hand out a fun award at the end of each week sharing something funny during the lockdown madness of working from home, e.g. someone leaving their camera on whilst thinking it’s off…
Provide a common sense of purpose for your team during this lockdown period. e.g. running to Invercargill and back by logging in everyone’s activity over the month. People need to feel part of something that’s greater than just themselves.
Encourage your people to book in a virtual coffee/lunch meeting with colleagues/clients just like you would meet at a café to discuss work.
Role model listening so your people feel heard. There is a saying, 'people will only go to your bus stop if you have taken the time to get off at their bus stop first.' Practice active listening, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Start by repeating what the other person has said before offering a new idea to the table.
Cross over these ideas to your home life, too.
For example...
When did you last give the significant people in your life positive acknowledgement and appreciation? Have fun with it and write notes around the house for them to find randomly.
Make a bubble goal of running an equivalent distance of somewhere (e.g. another city) and back for a fun exercise mission.
If you are living alone, send an email to someone who has made an impact in your life, e.g. a past coach, teacher or boss and let them know the difference they made to you.
Stay safe and well out there, and remember to look after yourself and your loved ones.