How connection with colleagues can boost your well-being

Remote work offers flexibility, but connection with colleagues can’t be left to chance. Building relationships at work boosts well-being and helps teams thrive, writes Moira Dunne

The traditional working model, where most people congregate in the office at the same time, enabled connection and collaboration. But, with so many people working remotely these days, we can't leave collaboration to chance—especially as meaningful connections with our work colleagues can boost our wellbeing.

The importance of workplace connection

It is widely agreed that one of the biggest limitations of remote working is the lack of social connection.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, social interactions come third, with only physiological and safety needs being more important, suggesting that social interaction and a sense of belonging and togetherness, are crucial for people.

The downsides of not connecting with others include:

• Isolation;
• Problems seeming bigger;
• Lacking an alternative perspective;
• No feedback; and
• No rapport with colleagues.

In contrast, the list of reasons to collaborate is long. Consider the benefits of the following:

• Emotional support during challenges/setbacks;
• Less stress and anxiety;
• Mood boost and increased happiness;
• Sense of belonging;
• Productive team culture;
• Collaborative problem-solving;
• Learning and personal growth; and
• Enhanced well-being.

Working together in a group brings a sense of purpose as we share goals or targets. Providing input helps us feel valued which, in turn, boosts our well-being and self-esteem.

By exchanging ideas with others, we learn from their experiences and can share our knowledge to help others grow.

Networking with colleagues and industry professionals also leads to professional growth opportunities.

It can often seem easier to “save time” by foregoing optional work events, but by connecting with colleagues, we may avoid the negative impacts of working alone, such as anxiety, worry and reduced ability to switch off.

Making time to connect

For most people, time is at a premium. Everyone is busy.

When you are planning your week, consider who you need to meet. By booking time at the start of the week, you have a greater chance of connecting while respecting their busy schedule.  

Boosting online connection

Working from home can be very productive as we have fewer distractions. Our energy levels can drop as we spend hours working alone, however.

An online collaboration can inject energy and help spark ideas.

Book a catch-up session or a project discussion with some colleagues, or ask your manager for a one-to-one check-in.

In addition to formal meetings, there are many informal ways to connect with colleagues when working remotely. Encourage team members to try something new, and then tweak the approach to suit each person's needs.

Most people already collaborate within Microsoft Teams—but, make sure you access all of the functionality on offer, such as chat, messaging and polls. This kind of collaboration can save time and deliver better outcomes.

Connect to manage relationships

Consider the amount of time often wasted trying to get started on a project—or time spent reworking a document that isn’t approved at a later review.

Working together enhances our relationships and can prevent issues from occurring. An open and honest connection provides an ongoing chance to discuss issues or challenges before they develop into bigger problems that may be harder to resolve.

Communicating assertively promotes open and transparent communication through which everyone feels heard. The key to this style is to present your needs and concerns while also demonstrating your interest in the other people’s needs and concerns.

(endbio) Moira Dunne is the co-founder of beproductive.ie.

Moira will present a free Webinar on May 1st to mark National Workplace Wellbeing Day.