What is social wellness in the workplace?

How do you promote social wellness in the workplace?

Finding social wellness in the workplace requires effort from both leadership and employees. Here are some steps from the Society of Human Resources Management that can help spark ideas for creating social wellness activities at work:

  • Build a supportive culture. Having a culture of trust, respect and open communication is key. Encourage teamwork and open discussions to create a sense of belonging.
  • Promote social interaction. Organize team-building activities, social events and informal get-togethers to encourage employees to connect with each other.
  • Recognize and reward positive behavior. Acknowledge and appreciate employees who help build a positive and supportive work environment. This could mean celebrating team achievements, rewarding teamwork and pointing out acts of kindness and support.
  • Provide resources and support. Offer training and workshops on topics such as communication, conflict resolution and emotional health. Offer tools for employees who are dealing with personal or professional challenges. This could include employee assistance programs or mentorship programs.
  • Lead by example. Leaders play a big role in setting the tone for the workplace culture. Practice open communication, respect and empathy toward your team members. Show genuine interest in their well-being and create a safe space for them to share their concerns and ideas.

What is an example of social well-being in the workplace?

The workplace is where business gets done, but it should also be an environment that supports the well-being of its employees. Wellness activities in the workplace do not have to be costly or time-consuming. Here are some ideas for group wellness activities anyone can use in the workplace:

Physical Activities:

  • Organize a walking or running group during lunch breaks or after work. This will allow people to get some exercise while enjoying fresh air and conversation.
  • Offer yoga or meditation classes on-site or online. This will give employees tools to manage stress and improve their overall mood.
  • Form company sports teams, such as basketball, pickleball or volleyball. This will boost physical activity, teamwork and friendly competition.
  • Organize walking/step challenges or fitness tracking competitions. This will get employees moving and set up healthy habits in a fun way.

Mental Health Activities:

  • Invite a counselor to lead workshops on meditation, stress management and relaxation.
  • Invite employees to share what they are grateful for in a daily huddle or through a shared document. This will help to promote positive thinking and appreciation.
  • Start a book club that focuses on self-help, personal development or wellness topics. This will get employees learning and growing together.
  • Organize volunteer opportunities for people to give back to the community. This will help boost a sense of purpose and well-being.

Social Wellness Activities:

  • Host regular team lunches or dinners outside the office. This will give employees a chance to connect in a relaxed and informal setting.
  • Organize board game nights, trivia nights or other activities. This will help keep people laughing, bonding and building teams.
  • Plan potlucks or cooking classes. This will allow employees a chance to share their cultural backgrounds and kitchen skills.
  • Reserve fun outings, such as sporting events, concerts or visits to local attractions. This will help create shared memories and build team spirit.

By setting up any of these group wellness activities, you can create a more positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.

What are the benefits of social interaction in the workplace?

Having social connections in the workplace can improve employees’ well-being and contribute to a thriving company culture. Here are some key reasons why social wellness is important in the workplace:

  • Increased job satisfaction. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and managers, they are more likely to be happy with their jobs and focused on their work. This leads to higher productivity, creativity and new ideas.
  • Improved mental and physical health. Positive social interactions can help reduce stress levels. This leads to better mental and physical health for employees. This can also result in fewer call-ins and less mental distractions at work.
  • Stronger team performance. A cohesive team with strong social bonds can work more effectively toward common goals. Working together to problem-solve becomes smoother when team members trust and respect each other.
  • Enhanced retention and recruitment. A supportive and inclusive workplace culture fosters a sense of belonging. This helps make employees less likely to leave the company. It can also quickly reduce employee turnover and attract top talent.
  • Improved company reputation. Businesses that are known for their positive work environments attract more customers and investors. This can lead to a stronger brand reputation and increased success.

RECAP: When employees feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to enjoy coming to work. They also feel supported and have higher levels of job satisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, creativity and overall well-being in the workplace.

Workplace wellness is increasingly important to our overall adult social well-being. Need help getting started? At Allina Health, All Together Better means you’re not alone. Look to Hello4Health, an Allina Health initiative offering online resources and activities to help adults improve their social connections and mental wellness, while building community resiliency.