Did you know Social connections have a greater effect on health - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Social connections have a greater effect on health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.

“Did you know”

(Yes, really)

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Feeling close to (and valued by) others is a fundamental human need We don’t function well in the world without social connection... this goes for our work lives too No matter your age, gender, background or role, social relationships are crucial for promoting physical and mental wellbeing Social support acts to help maintain good physical and mental health, it appears to buffer against the full impact of mental and physical illness.

So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions

What do we mean?

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Positive social connections, or meaningful relationships, are built on these fundamental qualities:

Trust Integrity Good communication Appreciation Empathy/Care Fun Authenticity Support

(All good stuff)

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When people are connected, they feel they belong. They have more tolerance and more capacity to accept differences in thought, culture and ethnicity ‘Belonging’ can make work feel like a community Socially connected individuals have increased capacity to celebrate diversity People become more aware of the needs of

• thers – more considerate

Fostering social connections at work is about focusing on the positive impact that social support at work can have on us all.

So Socia cial co l connect ctio ions

When you’re at work

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Positive social connections encourage us to collaborate with colleagues more Increase focus and desire to do well People become more involved in the planning of work Social connections encourage engagement within the workplace, promote overall wellbeing and ultimately help build work environments where people reach their potential.

So Socia cial co l connect ctio ions a and

Work performance

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Ben Benef efits s of wo workplace

Social connections for everyone

Individual Benefits: Higher self-esteem and empathy Lower rates of depression and anxiety Better emotional regulation Less likelihood of being injured. Business Benefits: Higher productivity Lower absenteeism Higher engagement Greater loyalty Less likelihood of workplace injury Quicker return to work rates for the injured.

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A Harvard study of adult development found that close relationships, more than money and fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

(Are we sure? Yes, it’s true…)

“Did you know”

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So Socia cial fa l fact ctors a and

Returning to work

After an illness, trauma, accident or workplace injury, social factors play a big role in returning to work. In fact, did you know that social isolation and low levels of social support is associated with the worsening of a host of medical conditions? For this reason, the idea of “all work and no play” is being challenged.

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Ca Can n you u he help with

Returning to work?

Contact your colleague in the first two days they are away. Find out how they are and wish them a safe and speedy recovery - this small gesture can help their wellbeing and speed up recovery times. Make regular times to catch up for a phone call

• r coffee – connected colleagues have

increased wellbeing and it hastens recovery. Encourage recovering colleagues to attend social events at work (birthdays etc) – feeling part of the team aids recovery.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Resources we have

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Educational Poster

In an increasingly isolated world, feeling socially connected is more important than ever. A s

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Why is it important to create

Social connections at work?

Social connections have a greater effect on health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. “Did you know?”

(Yes, really)

icare.nsw.gov.au/socialconnectionsmatter To find out more about social connections visit

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Event Invite Poster

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Resources we have

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Social Connections Calendar

Resources we have

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Wellbeing Poster

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Try something new or rediscover a past interest. Learn to sew, read a new book, listen to a radio program or take on a new role at work. Learn to play a musical instrument or do a computer course. Learning can be fun. It can give you a sense of achievement and build your confidence.

Keep Learning

Be aware of the world around you; notice the changing seasons and the beautiful sights, smells and sounds as you do your daily activities. Notice how you feel. Try this as you walk, eat lunch or wait for a train. Being aware of the ‘here and now’ can help you feel calm and reduce stress.

Be Aware

Do something kind for a friend or stranger. Thank someone, smile or say hello. Give your time to a community group or help a neighbour. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, build friendships and make your community a better place.

Help Others

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Connect with people around you; with family, friends, neighbours or people you meet, at work, school or at the shops. Think of these social connections as important in your life and spend time developing them. Building these relationships will support and strengthen you every day.

Social Connections Matter

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Keep your mind and body active. Step

• utside your house or go for a walk or run.

Play a sport, dance, ride a bike or do some

• gardening. Find something you enjoy and do it
• regularly. Exercising makes you feel good and

helps to clear your mind.

Be Active

Resources we have

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Injury Prevention A4 Fact Sheet

Resources we have

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Injury Recovery A4 Fact Sheet

Resources we have

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it

Social Connections Toolkit resources include: Employers and Managers Guide

Resources we have

This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work

• utcomes.

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