Essentials for workplace well-being: Connection and community

In 2022, the U.S. Surgeon General issued the Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-being in response to impacts of the pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of work, and the relationship many workers have with their jobs,” the framework notes. “The link between our work and our health has become even more evident.

The framework describes five essentials and their components for reimagining workplaces:

In part 1 of our five-part series, we took a look at the first essential — protection from harm. For part 2, we explore connection and community. This essential represents the human need for social support and belonging. We are more likely to thrive when we have networks that support us both physically and psychologically and when we feel like an accepted member of a group. Components of this essential are:

• Create cultures of inclusion and belonging
• Cultivate trusted relationships
• Foster collaboration and teamwork

Here are ways you can promote social support and belonging in the workplace.

Create a culture of inclusion and belonging

A 2021 article from the Harvard Business Review notes that “managers carry the culture of an organization.” Managers and supervisors can demonstrate inclusion and belonging:

• Be appreciative, empowering, and responsive to employee concerns.
• Share personal stories about how perspectives different than your own have helped you grow.
• Make time to connect with each person on your team.

You can also:

• Attend a DES workshop on Creating Connection and Belonging on Teams
• Promote a team-based approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Encourage participation in your organization’s employee resource groups (ERGs) or Statewide Business Resource Groups

Cultivate trusted relationships

• Admit mistakes. An open discussion of mistakes and errors can lead to learning and growth opportunities.
• Keep promises and follow through. Broken promises and poor follow through suggest you are unreliable.
• Engage, don’t avoid. When you avoid conflict, you also shut down open dialog and impede collaborative decision making.
• Be curious. Have deeper, more meaningful conversations that strengthen relationships.

Foster collaboration and teamwork

In the new world of hybrid workplaces and challenges to work/life balance, training is a great way to refresh your thinking and learn from colleagues with similar experiences. The Department of Enterprise Services offers courses on leadership development, including:

• Leading Others
• Building Trust with your Team LD Workshop
• Building a Psychologically Safe Team Culture LD Workshop
• Creating Psychological Safety Through Conversations
• Creating Cultures of Trust Through Psychological Safety
• WA State Collaboration in the Workplace (8 hours) in Learning Center
• WA State Every Voice: Collaboration and Facilitation in the Workplace (6 hours) in Learning Center

Other tips for fostering collaboration and teamwork include:

• Empower teams to make decisions. Identify and communicate the types of decisions team members can and cannot make, and provide consistent guidance, coaching and support throughout the process.
• Facilitate the development of decision-making skills. Provide training and opportunities for employees to learn and practice strategies for decision-making.
• Provide timely and relevant information. Teams are more likely to be effective when they have the accurate information they need when they need it.
• Leverage technology. Maximize team effectiveness and efficiency by integrating technology designed for collaborative activities, including brainstorming, planning, problem-solving, decision-making and, document sharing.

Request an EAP organizational consult

The EAP provides consultations to supervisors, managers, and leaders on issues like trauma, employee performance, and conflict. The EAP can also consult on resources and strategies for increasing inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Visit the EAP website to request an organizational consultation.

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The Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees and their household adult family members. The EAP is available to provide confidential and expert consultation in a variety of areas. Reach out to EAP online or by calling 877–313–4455. To find out if the Washington State EAP serves your agency or organization, contact your supervisor or human resources department.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience. The Employee Assistance Program and the Department of Enterprise Services do not endorse the content, services, or viewpoints found at these external sites. Information is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the counsel or advice of a qualified health or legal professional. For further help, questions, or referral to community resources for specific problems or personal concerns, contact the EAP or other qualified professional.