How Can You Support Your Employees’ Social Wellbeing?

Social wellbeing refers to the quality of our social networks and interactions and how connected we feel to other people. Since most people spend most of their waking hours at work, our level of social wellbeing in the workplace has a significant effect on us.

You might inwardly roll your eyes when a company describes itself as one big happy family, but the benefits of having social harmony among your employees are not to be dismissed.

Nurturing a cohesive and supportive team can lead to more effective collaborations, fewer workplace conflicts, a happier workforce, better job satisfaction, and higher levels of staff retention. Collectively, these improvements can only boost output and productivity (and increase your bottom line).

So, what is social wellbeing, and how can employers support employees’ social wellbeing in the workplace?

Create Inviting Communal Spaces

Recreational communal areas with entertainment, such as a darts board, table tennis, or pool table, encourage interaction among colleagues, so try to provide a comfortable and fun place for staff to relax and socialise on their breaks. You’ll be following in the footsteps of big players, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Adobe, which are all reported to have foosball tables, arcade games, and even karaoke in their staff areas.

Build an Inclusive Workforce

Make sure your company is a safe space for all employees. When people feel accepted and free to be themselves, they are more likely to build authentic relationships. Robust diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are key, as is a fair hiring process, which will demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity from the start.

Host Social Functions

Create regular opportunities for employees to mix outside of work. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; you could reserve a table at the local pub quiz every week or organise a monthly curry night, for example. If you want a more hands-off approach, try negotiating a staff discount at a local restaurant or bar and encourage team members to make their own plans. You could even ask for volunteers to organise team social events if you don’t have time to do it yourself.

Lead by Example

Company culture comes from the top down. Be warm and approachable, and take an interest in your employees. Even small gestures can help employees feel valued and seen. It can be as simple as asking after people’s families or bringing in cakes for staff birthdays. If you see or hear of toxic behaviour or anything else concerning, don’t ignore it. These negative behaviours can disrupt social wellbeing and cause tension or resentment in a team, which can be a common cause of high staff turnover and low morale.

Host Remote Get-Togethers

Building social connections can be more challenging if your team works remotely and there is limited or no in-person contact. Consider arranging a weekly or monthly video call so people can chat and check in without the expectation of discussing work. You could also consider creating an informal chat room or Slack channel where employees can share photos and messages (make sure you issue clear guidance to avoid any ‘not suitable for work’ moments!).

Support General Wellbeing Among Staff

Stressed or unhappy employees can be snappy and irritable and can even cause tension for the rest of the team. Team members who feel valued and supported are more likely to be friendly, relaxed, and open to building social connections. Consider implementing health and wellness initiatives to support your team’s wellbeing, like on-site yoga classes, organised lunchtime walks, quiet breakout spaces, or discounts at the local gym or spa. Some companies even offer ‘mental health days’ where employees can take a day off at short notice if needed.