{"id":2137,"date":"2024-10-08T07:00:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jeddywellness.com\/?p=2137"},"modified":"2025-04-01T17:52:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T23:52:35","slug":"manage-your-stress-by-bringing-in-others-the-power-of-connection-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jeddywellness.com\/blog\/manage-your-stress-by-bringing-in-others-the-power-of-connection-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Manage Your Stress by Bringing in Others: The Power of Connection in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

WE in Wellness: A Collective Approach to Managing Stress<\/h2>\n

As we adapt to new ways of working, human connection and social support have never been more critical. Stress is an inevitable part of our work lives, but we do not have to face it alone. Strong social support networks help employees cope with demands and build resilience. Dr. Edward Hallowell, a renowned psychiatrist, highlights the profound impact of connection in his 1999 book Connect<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>He defines connection as “feeling a part of something larger than yourself, feeling close to another person or group, feeling welcomed, and understood”.\u00a0Even a short, meaningful conversation<\/b> can create a powerful connection if both parties are fully present and engaged. This type of focused interaction often elicits a reciprocal energy, fostering deeper bonds.\u00a0Dr. Jane E. Dutton defines connection<\/a> as a dynamic interaction between two individuals, characterized by mutual awareness and social exchange. High-Quality Connections<\/a> (HQCs) contribute to well-being and engagement in interpersonal relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Social Support as a Resource for Leaders and Employees<\/h2>\n

Job demands\u2014such as work overload, emotional stress, and interpersonal tensions\u2014can lead to burnout. However, job resources like supportive supervisors, encouraging coworkers, and team cohesion can significantly mitigate these effects (read the white paper<\/a> – Strategies for Cultivating a Culture of Health and Wellness in the Workplace <\/em>to learn more about Job-Demands and Resources). <\/em>Social support is like a safety net, cushioning the blow when work feels overwhelming. Additionally, strong social connections have been shown to enhance mood, reduce stress, and even lower blood pressure, contributing to better overall health and longevity.<\/p>\n

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Social Support as a Resource for Leaders and Employees<\/h2>\n

\u00a0There are two major categories of social support:<\/p>\n

Perceived Social Support<\/b>: The belief <\/b>that you have people in your life who will be there when needed. This belief can reduce stress and provide peace of mind. For example, supportive leadership, team cohesion, work-life flexibility, colleague availability<\/p>\n

Received Social Support<\/b>: The actual<\/b> assistance you receive when facing challenges, like a colleague offering advice or a manager providing resources. This type of support helps you cope with immediate challenges and lowers stress levels. For example, manager offering resources, peer collaboration, emotional support, or skill development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In both cases, Perceived Social Support<\/b> helps reduce anticipatory stress because employees believe they have a safety net, while Received Social Support<\/b> directly assists in coping with immediate challenges, helping to lower real-time stress levels.<\/p>\n

Wellness Shot:<\/b>\u00a0Having a strong support system is essential for our mental health and well-being. Watch<\/a>\u00a0<\/a>or read<\/a>\u00a0about emotional, information, tangible, esteem and social network support.<\/p>\n

FITT – Your Connection Prescription<\/h2>\n

If you are feeling isolated at work, FITT is your connection prescription!\u00a0FITT<\/strong>\u00a0can be used as a structured approach to building meaningful connections<\/b> that can help manage stress effectively. This structured approach helps build meaningful connections to manage stress effectively.\u00a0When applied thoughtfully, the FITT framework enables you to cultivate stronger relationships <\/b>and support networks<\/b>, which are essential in managing workplace stress<\/b>. Whether you are a leader or a team member, this structured approach ensures that you regularly invest in meaningful, supportive interactions that not only help reduce stress but also foster a more connected and resilient workplace.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To harness the benefits of social support, try the FITT<\/strong> framework\u2014Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type. The FITT<\/b> framework is an effective method for structuring wellness practices\u2014including social support\u2014into daily work life. It helps guide how we approach building relationships and managing stress. <\/p>\n