Workplace Relationship-building: Pastime or Productivity Fueler?
Workplace Relationship-building: Pastime or Productivity Fueler?
Workplace connections or relationships are crucial, especially today when more and more of our waking hours are spent at work. But, being connected at work does not mean being at home like one big happy family.
Workplace relationships create a positive culture where collaborations and a healthy working attitude can be nurtured. Sometimes these connections can develop into friendships, but the essence remains that connections at work can play a crucial role in efficient working.
We are discussing workplace connections and relationships today because, generally, such aspects get ignored – such relationships seem unimportant to many leaders.
The fact is that many team leaders and managers rather discourage their team members from getting close with one another and remain stoically unaffected by the presence of others. But, many other leaders work progressively to create an ecosystem where employee relationships and connections are encouraged.
What do workplace relationships mean?
Irrespective of what it sounds like, workplace connections is not about building utopian teams. It means creating a well-balanced and focused team with team members who are completely in sync with each other.
Relationships at work are more about relating and respecting each other’s perspectives and ideas. It is about understanding each other’s values and backgrounds.
Organizations do not have to create separate strategies for ensuring workplace connections. It can be weaved in the system as part of organizational culture.
But, why would one want to focus on this part that seems quite personal, and dependent on employees’ interpersonal skills?
Do workplace connections matter?
Connections matter. Man is a social being. We cannot usually do well in solitude. Companionship is an essential aspect of our lives.
The more our connections, the better it is for our mental and physical well-being. We need to have ties with people around us. Once the basic connections, meaning family and friends, are in place, we look at opportunities to establish more connections outside our social circle.
And, of all such relationships, workplace connections are found to have a big impact on our stress levels, our behaviors, and performance levels.
It has been found that poor interpersonal relationships between workers can bring down their performance and attribute to increased stress.
Let us first understand the science behind human relationships.
The science behind relationships
Being part of a community where we belong is a basic human need as identified by psychologists.
Our physiological makeup is highly responsive to positive social connections. It affects our mental and physical health. The brain releases more oxytocin when socially connected. This hormone is related to motivation, the feel-good factor, and reliability.
Research also states that when a person works alone, he undergoes social pain in exactly the same part of the cerebrum as physical pain.
In another research in 2008, it was found that positive connections strengthen the body’s immune system, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems.
Reasons to support workplace connections
Enhances knowledge, especially in low-skilled tasks
With strong workplace connections, knowledge exchange is encouraged viably. Especially, in a factory, on the shop floor, a construction site, etc.
The positive attribute of workers being connected socially helps them ask questions, raise queries, give feedback or raise alarms effectively.
They feel more empowered to clarify doubts or learn a new aspect of work without apprehension.
Simply stated, they can walk up to a senior to ask for help, be it in the professional context or personal, without the fear of being rebuked or judged.
Supports employee wellness and well-being endeavors
Employers spend thousands of dollars on employee wellness programs. Encouraging and fostering a positive work environment focused on employee connections can contribute to employee well-being in many ways.
Firstly, with sound working relationships in place, work is more enjoyable and stress-free. To a great extent, employee connections build a tension-free atmosphere that contributes to employees’ mental and physical health.
In one study by Mayo Clinic, it was found that when individuals have strong social support, they are prone to fewer illnesses and diseases.
In the workplace, when employees are encouraged to bond with their peers and colleagues at a personal level, it can keep employees happy, pepped up, and healthy. Thus, helping in supporting employee wellness initiatives.
Fortifies employee engagement
When employee connections are strong, there is bound to be greater respect and trust amongst employees. It, in turn, promotes a cohesive working environment that is extremely good and a prerequisite for teamwork and collaboration.
It impacts employee engagement creating a positive work environment that motivates employees to do their best. Consequently, the organization starts to gain credibility in the recruitment market, as the attrition rates consistently stay low.
Supports innovation and productive working
A study by the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies at Cornell University in 2012 stressed the importance social connections in the workplace. Called the ‘Building Strong Social Connections Increases Innovation Capability,’ the study corroborated what behavioral psychologists have always said.
It mentioned how social connections amongst employees at work could help a company get an edge over the competition with the enhanced innovation capabilities.
Not just that, employee productivity is impacted by social connections too.
As we have already seen, positive work culture can be successfully created with employee relationships. It leads to lower stress levels offering an enhanced ambiance for employees to give their best.
Plus, there are lesser cases of absenteeism, lower energy levels during work, cases of burnout and irritability. It creates opportunities for employees to contribute whole-heartedly towards organizational goals, team objectives, and personal ambitions.
Develops collaborative mindset
Employee connections set the tone for collaborative working. That is the reason why many organizations invest a lot in team-building exercises. Because such activities help diminish hurdles and challenges to create social connections.
For example, people from the junior levels are teamed up with seniors, where they are able to set aside hierarchical differences and have fun together. They laugh together, build things together, challenge each other, and mingle with one another.
Getting the chance to get to discern each other at a personal level makes everyone more comfortable. It can be a big blessing helping promote collaboration, gratitude, respect, and positivity.
How to promote positive relationships at the workplace?
It is clear that employers need to encourage connections between and across groups of employees. What are the ways to help employees connect with one another, especially so that a collaborative ecosystem can be fostered?
- Lend a listening ear to your team members. More often than not, leaders and team leads are too busy. They do not have the time to stop and listen to their team. Encouraging conversations is the route to building connections amongst team members. It can be effective by being available and present when they want to talk and share. Taking the time out to listen to them helps build strong engagements, not just with colleagues but also with the organization and their work.
- Encourage team members to chat and engage in informal chats to promote the building of connections. This is why many organizations earmark budgets at the beginning of the year for offsite, employee workshops, fun days, Friday lunches, etc. These events offer coworkers to interact and get to know each other better.
- Conveying appreciation is another way to let employees know that their work matters greatly. Simple small messages can do wonders. Using digital platforms with centralized dashboards helps colleagues leave appreciative messages for one another, creating positive work culture.
- Celebrating important milestones and events is another way to build workplace connections. Landmark events like weddings, birthdays, babies’ arrival, promotions, meeting targets, etc., are great ways to collaboratively celebrate important events showing the employees that their special moments matter to their employers.
- Rewards and recognition are another impressive way to send a message of positivity across to the team. Companies like Johnson & Johnson give the Superhero Award to employees during the heights of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
In a world where remote working, work-from-home modules, and scattered employees working in different time zones or business verticals are increasing, the use of digital platforms to help build workplace connections is becoming even more essential. Be it a simple greeting when starting work or cheering someone for doing good work, Letsbuzz has it all. Social walls, badges, rewards, certificates, celebrations, dashboards, discussion boards, community boards, etc., are all various tools that can push employees to connect with one another effectively.
Click here to book a free, no-obligation demo with our experts today.
Workplace connections or relationships are crucial, especially today when more and more of our waking hours are spent at work. But, being connected at work does not mean being at home like one big happy family.
Workplace relationships create a positive culture where collaborations and a healthy working attitude can be nurtured. Sometimes these connections can develop into friendships, but the essence remains that connections at work can play a crucial role in efficient working.
We are discussing workplace connections and relationships today because, generally, such aspects get ignored – such relationships seem unimportant to many leaders.
The fact is that many team leaders and managers rather discourage their team members from getting close with one another and remain stoically unaffected by the presence of others. But, many other leaders work progressively to create an ecosystem where employee relationships and connections are encouraged.
What do workplace relationships mean?
Irrespective of what it sounds like, workplace connections is not about building utopian teams. It means creating a well-balanced and focused team with team members who are completely in sync with each other.
Relationships at work are more about relating and respecting each other’s perspectives and ideas. It is about understanding each other’s values and backgrounds.
Organizations do not have to create separate strategies for ensuring workplace connections. It can be weaved in the system as part of organizational culture.
But, why would one want to focus on this part that seems quite personal, and dependent on employees’ interpersonal skills?
Do workplace connections matter?
Connections matter. Man is a social being. We cannot usually do well in solitude. Companionship is an essential aspect of our lives.
The more our connections, the better it is for our mental and physical well-being. We need to have ties with people around us. Once the basic connections, meaning family and friends, are in place, we look at opportunities to establish more connections outside our social circle.
And, of all such relationships, workplace connections are found to have a big impact on our stress levels, our behaviors, and performance levels.
It has been found that poor interpersonal relationships between workers can bring down their performance and attribute to increased stress.
Let us first understand the science behind human relationships.
The science behind relationships
Being part of a community where we belong is a basic human need as identified by psychologists.
Our physiological makeup is highly responsive to positive social connections. It affects our mental and physical health. The brain releases more oxytocin when socially connected. This hormone is related to motivation, the feel-good factor, and reliability.
Research also states that when a person works alone, he undergoes social pain in exactly the same part of the cerebrum as physical pain.
In another research in 2008, it was found that positive connections strengthen the body’s immune system, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems.
Reasons to support workplace connections
Enhances knowledge, especially in low-skilled tasks
With strong workplace connections, knowledge exchange is encouraged viably. Especially, in a factory, on the shop floor, a construction site, etc.
The positive attribute of workers being connected socially helps them ask questions, raise queries, give feedback or raise alarms effectively.
They feel more empowered to clarify doubts or learn a new aspect of work without apprehension.
Simply stated, they can walk up to a senior to ask for help, be it in the professional context or personal, without the fear of being rebuked or judged.
Supports employee wellness and well-being endeavors
Employers spend thousands of dollars on employee wellness programs. Encouraging and fostering a positive work environment focused on employee connections can contribute to employee well-being in many ways.
Firstly, with sound working relationships in place, work is more enjoyable and stress-free. To a great extent, employee connections build a tension-free atmosphere that contributes to employees’ mental and physical health.
In one study by Mayo Clinic, it was found that when individuals have strong social support, they are prone to fewer illnesses and diseases.
In the workplace, when employees are encouraged to bond with their peers and colleagues at a personal level, it can keep employees happy, pepped up, and healthy. Thus, helping in supporting employee wellness initiatives.
Fortifies employee engagement
When employee connections are strong, there is bound to be greater respect and trust amongst employees. It, in turn, promotes a cohesive working environment that is extremely good and a prerequisite for teamwork and collaboration.
It impacts employee engagement creating a positive work environment that motivates employees to do their best. Consequently, the organization starts to gain credibility in the recruitment market, as the attrition rates consistently stay low.
Supports innovation and productive working
A study by the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies at Cornell University in 2012 stressed the importance social connections in the workplace. Called the ‘Building Strong Social Connections Increases Innovation Capability,’ the study corroborated what behavioral psychologists have always said.
It mentioned how social connections amongst employees at work could help a company get an edge over the competition with the enhanced innovation capabilities.
Not just that, employee productivity is impacted by social connections too.
As we have already seen, positive work culture can be successfully created with employee relationships. It leads to lower stress levels offering an enhanced ambiance for employees to give their best.
Plus, there are lesser cases of absenteeism, lower energy levels during work, cases of burnout and irritability. It creates opportunities for employees to contribute whole-heartedly towards organizational goals, team objectives, and personal ambitions.
Develops collaborative mindset
Employee connections set the tone for collaborative working. That is the reason why many organizations invest a lot in team-building exercises. Because such activities help diminish hurdles and challenges to create social connections.
For example, people from the junior levels are teamed up with seniors, where they are able to set aside hierarchical differences and have fun together. They laugh together, build things together, challenge each other, and mingle with one another.
Getting the chance to get to discern each other at a personal level makes everyone more comfortable. It can be a big blessing helping promote collaboration, gratitude, respect, and positivity.
How to promote positive relationships at the workplace?
It is clear that employers need to encourage connections between and across groups of employees. What are the ways to help employees connect with one another, especially so that a collaborative ecosystem can be fostered?
- Lend a listening ear to your team members. More often than not, leaders and team leads are too busy. They do not have the time to stop and listen to their team. Encouraging conversations is the route to building connections amongst team members. It can be effective by being available and present when they want to talk and share. Taking the time out to listen to them helps build strong engagements, not just with colleagues but also with the organization and their work.
- Encourage team members to chat and engage in informal chats to promote the building of connections. This is why many organizations earmark budgets at the beginning of the year for offsite, employee workshops, fun days, Friday lunches, etc. These events offer coworkers to interact and get to know each other better.
- Conveying appreciation is another way to let employees know that their work matters greatly. Simple small messages can do wonders. Using digital platforms with centralized dashboards helps colleagues leave appreciative messages for one another, creating positive work culture.
- Celebrating important milestones and events is another way to build workplace connections. Landmark events like weddings, birthdays, babies’ arrival, promotions, meeting targets, etc., are great ways to collaboratively celebrate important events showing the employees that their special moments matter to their employers.
- Rewards and recognition are another impressive way to send a message of positivity across to the team. Companies like Johnson & Johnson give the Superhero Award to employees during the heights of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
In a world where remote working, work-from-home modules, and scattered employees working in different time zones or business verticals are increasing, the use of digital platforms to help build workplace connections is becoming even more essential. Be it a simple greeting when starting work or cheering someone for doing good work, Letsbuzz has it all. Social walls, badges, rewards, certificates, celebrations, dashboards, discussion boards, community boards, etc., are all various tools that can push employees to connect with one another effectively.