The science behind the dimension of Social Connectedness
This dimension is about social connections at work. Humans are social beings and need positive social relationships for their mental and physical health (Holt-Lunstad, 2018; Mastroianni & Storberg-Walker, 2014). Conversely, social isolation is associated with a wide range of impairments (GCBH, 2017; Holt-Lunstad, 2018).
The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) also lists social engagement, which refers to social interactions that are enjoyable and meaningful for the people concerned and therefore have a positive impact, as one of the six pillars of brain health. Thus, there appears to be a link between social engagement and cognitive function. Accordingly, it is very important to promote social bonds at work and prevent any kind of discrimination. In this dimension, it is therefore important to give different advice to increase social interactions, but above all, to adapt them to the work environment and circumstances so that they can become habits.
- Social Connectedness at Work
As the positive influences of social connections at work can be crucial for health and work performance, open-plan offices and flexible workplaces are becoming increasingly common at work (Samani et al., 2014; Metz, 2019; Holt-Lunstad, 2018). However, if this is not the case with your employer, you still have control over planning your shared spaces. This provides a space that is both comfortable and promotes social interaction, which can be a good balance for focused individual work and can lead to brainstorming (Metz, 2019). These spaces should therefore also have an internet connection and enable the use of a laptop, as well as communal desks, whereby a desk arrangement with continuous desks allows for more openness and interaction between employees (McLaughlin, 2014). Furthermore, devices for making tea or coffee and a water cooler can also be used here (Metz, 2019; Samani et al., 2014) as well as lighting with pleasant lamps and floor lamps can also contribute to a good collaborative atmosphere (McLaughlin, 2014; Metz, 2019).
To get into a conversation with colleagues, it can be helpful to start with informal conversations or small talk to get to know each other (Lowndes, 2003). It is very important to listen carefully and remember the details. It may be helpful to note down the information (Koskinen & Aramo-Immonen, 2008). In order to find out details about someone and get to know each other, it can also be very important to ask questions (Huang et al., 2017). Huang et al. found that this can increase sympathy, and they explained that asking questions shows interest in the person and, above all, encourages self-disclosure, which can contribute to the person’s well-being. It is possible that these positive emotions generated by self-disclosure are attributed to the person asking the questions, which ultimately increases the feeling of connectedness (Huang et al., 2017). Self-disclosure can also lead to the discovery of similar interests and values. This can also greatly increase sympathy and perceived connectedness (Alves et al., 2016; Tenney et al., 2009). It has additionally been shown that the less common the shared interests are in the general population, the stronger the bond (Alves, 2018).
In addition to work, it can also be helpful to join various clubs, courses or organisations in order to strengthen social connections and build new ones. For example, common interests can also be used to organise joint activities within different groups. If there is not yet a group in the local community for these interests, it is also possible to set up one yourself that focuses on the shared interests. Social networking can also take place through virtual networks such as online communities (GCBH, 2017). Both personal and virtual activities can be organised through meetups, for example, or existing ones can be joined (Ricken et al., 2017). Introverts may find it somewhat more difficult to establish social relationships, but here too, it is essential not to withdraw. Social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of psychological and physiological impairments (GCBH, 2017). Instead, you can try to mainly focus on activities and situations that you feel particularly comfortable with in order to use this security to socialise (GCBH, 2017). To reduce possible pressure and anxiety before such events, it can be helpful to think about the event and the content of potential conversations so that you are already prepared for various social events, for example (Lowndes, 2003).
- Managing Social Relationships at Work
During a conflict, the respective conflict parties are often not objective and do not listen to each other, which means that important information is lost and they do not understand each other (Spaho, 2013). To resolve such a conflict, it is first important to listen very carefully in order to understand the cause of the conflict and to show both sides that they are perceived and understood (McKibben, 2017). Ultimately, the goal is to find a solution that is as satisfactory as possible for both sides. Critical creative thinking can be helpful for this in order to move from the current state to a target state that improves the situation and thus resolves the conflict (Hester, 2021). It should also be noted that different ways of intervening can help depending on the person and communication style (Spaho, 2013; McKibben, 2017). For example, Tanner described possible differences in communication between men and women, as well as general differences in communication preferences in the general population (Tannen, 2007, 2014). There may also be differences between horizontal and vertical communication within an organisation. Vertical communication may be more concerned with asserting rank and status, while horizontal communication is more about affiliation (Spaho, 2013; Rozsa, et al., 2019; Latuheru, 2022). Different communication preferences and communication styles must ideally be categorised through close observation in order to be able to react appropriately and counteract misunderstandings (Schulz von Thun, 2022).
Mentoring relationships between mentor and mentee can also benefit greatly. Such mentoring programmes involve a person with a higher position and experience serving as a mentor to a person with a younger position, thus helping them to get to grips with the company and gain learning experience (Biemann & Weckmüller, 2014). Listening to each other, supporting each other and treating each other in a non-judgemental way plays a major role here (Yildiz, 2022). This relationship can therefore have a positive impact on the mentee’s career as well as providing psychosocial support. The mentor can also benefit from this relationship. They can gain experience, develop leadership qualities, have social support within the company and receive recognition. Furthermore, mentoring can also be seen as part of so-called generativity. The idea here is that part of successful ageing is to support younger generations by passing on your knowledge, skills and experience to them (Biemann & Weckmüller, 2014; GCBH, 2017). In the context of generativity, however, reciprocal learning and support also play a major role.
Intergenerational learning should be emphasised in particular, whereby people of all age groups learn from each other and treat each other with appreciation, respect and understanding. Reverse mentoring was also created with this in mind, with the idea being that not only older people teach younger people something according to the classic mentoring programme, but also vice versa, the mentees teach the mentor something. Technical and digital skills play a particularly important role here (Yildiz, 2022). Furthermore, contact between generations can lead to motivating benefits in the workplace and the resulting sense of belonging can indirectly positively affect work commitment (Burmeister, 2021). Furthermore, so-called tandem learning can also strengthen social connections and advance knowledge. This means that people with similar interests improve their knowledge and skills by sharing their knowledge and teaching each other. Such knowledge sharing can be essential for a major increase in knowledge and can have a major impact on an organisation (Cabrera & Cabrera, 2005; Islam et al., 2013). However, if there are no suitable people or clubs and networks in your environment that share your interests, it may also be interesting to set up your own club or online communities (GCBH, 2017). Both face-to-face and virtual activities can be organised through Meetups, for example, or existing ones can be joined (Ricken et al., 2017). As an introvert, it can be helpful to consider and practise possible conversation guidelines when planning a face-to-face meeting (Lowndes, 2003).
- Unlocking Creativity Together – Innovation and New Ideas
In addition to individual work, working in a group or small team can be very helpful. This can be interesting as different ideas can be collected, whereby in the initial phase, everyone should only listen to each other, and care should be taken to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to speak and no evaluation is made (Fapohunda, 2013). Sharing the knowledge of different people can stimulate new ideas and lead to collective knowledge on a particular topic (Aubé et al., 2014; Islam et al., 2013). The various ideas collected can then be discussed together and constructive feedback can be given and discussed (Fapohunda, 2013). Feedback and mutual support could also stimulate creativity and lead to further new ideas developed together (Aubé et al., 2014; Li & Liu, 2019). In this process, each meeting participant is equally responsible for the collaboration (Fapohunda, 2013). In addition, the flow experience in the team was also investigated, with positive results also being found. Working in flow seems to lead to good team performance, whereby the common goal and the exchange of information are essential (Aubé et al., 2014). During brainstorming, it can be helpful to create a mind map with the various ideas in order to get a better overview and sort thoughts. The concept is placed in the centre and lines are drawn around it, leading to different dimensions and sub-dimensions. Different colours and images can also be used if desired (Buzan & Buzan, 2022; Buzan & O’Brien, 2018). A whiteboard can be used on site as well as digital mind maps (Bhattacharya & Mohalik, 2020). In addition to constructive feedback, the importance of recognising the work and ideas of others throughout the entire collaboration process should not be underestimated (Li & Liu, 2019; Rosales, 2016; Hills, 2016; Zhao & Epley, 2021).
- Cognitive performance in social situations
Cognitive performance also plays a significant role in social situations. For instance, it can be important in informal and formal situations to briefly and concisely introduce yourself and certain views or goals. This is known as an elevator pitch (Morgan & Wright, 2021; Thomas & Ripp, 2023). This pitch should be very well thought out, structured and planned in advance, as it can be a challenge to make the most important points clear in a short space of time and in a complete and precise manner (Morgan & Wright, 2021). Ideally, this pitch leads to interest in the other person and leads to a more detailed, longer continuation of the conversation (Morgan & Wright, 2021; Thomas & Ripp, 2023). Despite practising, nervousness can occur when presenting something (Hanifa & Yusra , 2018). Here it can be helpful to use mental simulations, which can have a positive influence on health and perception (Crisp et al., 2011; Waytz et al., 2015). As mental simulation optimises cognitive performance in social situations, this technique can potentially also lead to reduced nervousness. For example, a common trigger for nervousness is being asked questions that cannot be answered adequately (Hanifa & Yusra , 2018). It can help to work out the most important points you want to convey and to prepare yourself for possible critical comments and questions from the conversation partner (Stonehouse, 2018; Nöllke & Schmettkamp, 2016). If you still feel nervous and stressed, it can be helpful to take deep breaths before a speech or presentation to calm yourself down (R. P. Brown & Gerbarg, 2012). Diaphragmatic breathing is used to reduce stress, as it can be used easily and at any time to cope with stress (Hopper et al., 2019). Furthermore, posture can also have a major influence on a lecture and on the perception of stress. For example, Nair et al. showed that an upright posture had afferent, cardiovascular and psychological influences when working on a stress task (Nair et al., 2015).
- Building New and Maintaining Existing Relationships
Similar interests can strengthen the feeling of connectedness (Alves et al., 2016). Accordingly, joining groups or participating in activities that match interests can make it easier to build new contacts, making it more likely to meet new people who share interests (GCBH, 2017). If you can not find a group offline that matches your interests, you can look around on Meetup to see if there is a group with similar interests and activities (Ricken et al., 2017). You can also set up your own clubs, groups or communities both offline and online to meet new people (GCBH, 2017).
Ideally, there are already people at work you can socialise with and get to know better. Workplace friendships are positively associated with life satisfaction and even online friendships between employees can have positive effects on the working environment (Bartels et al., 2019; Endrejat et al., 2018). As a result, relationships at work can be strengthened by doing things after work and going out for a drink together (Endrejat et al., 2018). As regular contact is important for a friendship, keeping in touch via WhatsApp or Facebook, for example, can help to plan new get-togethers regularly.
Furthermore, a scheduling tool can be used to plan a suitable date for everyone involved (GCBH, 2017; Northeastern, n.d). For example, you can plan to go out to dinner together and thus pursue a joint, socially engaged activity (GCBH, 2017). To meet more people, it can help to participate in different activities where social interactions can occur and to go to places where there is a high probability of meeting certain people (e.g. shops or parks), as these encounters can also make you feel more connected (GCBH, 2017). It is also very important to maintain a good work-life balance and therefore not to neglect contact with friends and family in addition to work (Alpert, 2010; Lockwood, 2003). Instead, care should be taken to maintain a circle of family and friends and enable regular contact (GCBH, 2017; Northeastern, n.d). Here, too, social media and technology should be emphasised. This can not only create new contacts, but above all make it easier to maintain relationships with friends and family (Brown & Greenfield, 2021; GCBH, 2017). Another activity that can be pursued for more social interaction is volunteer work. This not only helps others, but can also have very good and important effects for the volunteer. For example, volunteering appears to have a positive impact on mental health and happiness, as well as reducing the risk of mortality (Onkun et al., 2013; Borgonovi, 2008; Jenkinson et al., 2013). For example, it is possible that this helping activity can bring meaningfulness, empathy and gratitude into one’s own life (Borgonovi, 2008; GCBH, 2017; Smith et al., 2016).
