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

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

Socia So cial C l Connect ctio ions What do we mean? 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.

Positive social Trust connections, or Integrity meaningful Good communication relationships, are Appreciation built on these Empathy/Care fundamental Fun qualities: Authenticity Support (All good stuff)

Socia So cial co l connect ctio ions When you’re at work 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 others – 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 a and Work performance 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.

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

“Did you know” 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…)

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.

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 or 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.

So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it Social Connections Resources we have Toolkit resources include: This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace Educational environments that promote positive Poster social connections Why is it important to create Social connections at work? show how social connections In an increasingly isolated world, feeling socially connected is support better return to work more important than ever. A s o c i a l l y c “ Did you know? ” o n a n e c outcomes. p r o t e d d u c w o t i v e r k p a n l a c e d s i s a f e w o r W h k p l e n w a c e e s . u p Social connections c p o r o n n t s o e c t c i a l i o n s i n h e t h e have a greater l p f o w o r m r k p s t r l a c e w o n g a n i t h r e l d o n a t i o e a n n s h effect on health o t h i p s s u e r , c c e i t h s s f e l p u l w s b u o r k i l d f o r c a than obesity, e . S o c i a l c o n n e c t o t i o n smoking and high p h s a y s i c r e c a l h r i t i c e a a l f u n l t h a c t i o n d n i n c o g blood pressure. g – n i t p w e i v e h y s b e i c a c o m l l y a e n d m e n t a l l y h (Yes, really) e a l t h i e r . To find out more about social connections visit icare.nsw.gov.au/socialconnectionsmatter

So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it Social Connections Resources we have Toolkit resources include: This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace Event Invite environments that promote positive Poster social connections C Come and enjoy some o m m show how social connections u n t i e a A support better return to work s o c i a l l y c o n n w e c o r k t e p l d a c e i s a m h a o r p p e p i e r o r , d u c t outcomes. s i v e a f e a r w n d o r k p l a c e . H a v e s o m e m a o r n n d i n e g t n j o e a y c a t c h w i t i n g h y u p o u r w o r k c o l l e a g u I t e s ’ s f . u n , a n d b e n e f i t s u s a S l l . e e y o u t h e r e ! YOUR LOGO T o f i n d o u i t m o r c a r e . e a b o n s w . g u t s o c o v . a u i a l c o n / s o c i n e c t i a l c o n o n s v i n e c t i s i t o n s m a t t e r

Socia So cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it Social Connections Toolkit Resources we have resources include: Social Connections This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: Calendar help employers create workplace environments that promote positive social connections show how social connections support better return to work outcomes.

So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it Social Connections Resources we have Toolkit resources 5 include: ways to H e r e a r e s o m e i t o d e a This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: g e t s y o wellbeing u s t a r t e d : 3 S t u d i help employers create workplace e s f r o m a t h a t r o u n y o u d t h e Wellbeing c a n w o h a i m p r r l d s h p p i n o v e o w e s s b y o u r p y d o w e l l a r t o i n g f b e n i g f y o v i e s a n d u r d a i m p l y . e t h i T h n g s a e y h s Keep Learning e l p y y o u c o environments that promote positive o u l i p e w v e a i t h s l o n g t r e s e r , h a s a n d Try something new or rediscover a past interest. Poster p p i e h e l p r a n d Learn to sew, read a new book, listen to a radio h e a l t h i e r l i f e . 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 social connections achievement and build your confidence. 1 4 show how social connections Social Connections Matter Connect with people around you; with family, friends, neighbours or people you meet, at work, school or at the shops. Think of these social support better return to work connections as important in your life and spend time developing them. Building these relationships Be Aware will support and strengthen you every day. 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 outcomes. 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. 2 5 Be Active Keep your mind and body active. Step outside 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 Help Others Do something kind for a friend or stranger. helps to clear your mind. 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. T o f n i d o u t i c m o r e a r e . n s a b o u t w . g o s o c i a v . a u / l c o n n s o c i a e c t i o l c o n n n s v i s i e c t i o t n s m a t t e r

So Socia cial C l Connect ctio ions T Toolk lkit it Social Connections Resources we have Toolkit resources include: This Social Connections Toolkit aims to: help employers create workplace Injury environments that promote positive Prevention social connections A4 Fact Sheet show how social connections support better return to work outcomes.