The big takeaway?"The people who had the warmest connections with other people weren't just happier, they stayed healthier longer, and they lived longer," Waldinger says."We get little hits of well-being, if you will, from all kinds of relationships, from friends, family, work colleagues."
And since much of our waking lives are spent at work, workplace bonds make a real difference. Unfortunately, the lack of social connection at work, is starting to be recognized as a growing problem.are engaged in their work, down from 36% in 2020. The survey also found that the number of actively disengaged workers has risen since the pandemic.
He suggests starting with small steps. For example, think of a colleague you haven't seen in a while. "Much more often than not, you will find that something very positive comes back," he says."What we know with strengthening your relationships is that very tiny steps can lead to responses that will make you feel good."
These seemingly insignificant conversations can bring big and ongoing benefits to our wellbeing. In fact, there's research that shows that small talk,"We know that small talk has these benefits of enhancing well-being," says Waldinger."This is a little like a baseball game where you don't expect to hit the ball every time," he says.
This is rich. My ex-boss (who now sits on the NPR board & remains ED at my former workplace, an NPR affiliate station) admonished me for having friends & talking to people at work, saying 'I don't have friends at work. I keep work and friends separate' and suggested I do the same
I don't have friends at work. I have coworkers. When I punch out for the day, I don't want to see you, I don't want to talk to you, I don't want to know you.
Friendships in general can boost happiness!
Research shows 🙄
Your corporate overlords must really be tightening the screws because your constant attemps to try to make us like working are pathetic
didn't you guys just lay off 10% of your staff?
This is absolutely true! I have almost always had a work BFF and I notice my happiness levels lower when they are on PTO!