The next component of P.E.R.M.A. is Relationships. Over the past two weeks we have covered ‘Positive Emotions’ and ‘Engagement’, the first two vital components that contribute to happiness and wellbeing (Martin Seligman). Every relationship in our lives is important and contributes to whether we thrive or just survive.
Whether we like it or not we cannot experience happiness and wellbeing in life on our own!
We begin life being helpless, then as we grow up, we are encouraged to be independent, self-sufficient and self-reliant then part of a team. It seems such a juxtaposition.
How does one deal with the idea of being independent yet be part of a team AND have the tools to thrive in career and life?
These days with many people working from home, having disparate teams returning to the workspace on a rotational basis, life has become even more insular. Relationships have suffered. We don’t have those incidental connections in the workspace over the water filter, heading out for coffee, walking past the photocopier or chatting in the lunchroom.
With this current global situation, being required to work from home, across home and office, or in smaller groups, we have less opportunities to connect, share a common interest, spark a curious conversation between colleagues or cultivate relationships.
Developing workspace relationships is a key element to increasing job satisfaction, enhanced productivity and boosting loyalty.
According to the Gallup poll (2015), when you have a best friend at work, you are more likely to feel engaged with your job. When you are more engaged in your job, you have less stress and higher productivity and wellbeing. Work doesn’t feel like such a big deal. Work might even become fun!
Yes, the workplace is one where we are often ‘forced’ into forming relationships. These relationships do not need to be best buddies, but we do need to be professional and work together in a harmonious way!
There are several benefits from forming positive relationships in the workplace:
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Higher levels of employee wellbeing, creating higher levels of employee engagement.
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Stronger connections across all levels, which sparks a ripple effect that flattens out hierarchy.
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Stronger collaborations and improved employee satisfaction.
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Open communication and higher levels of trust.
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Less staff turnover and more loyalty to the organisation.
We are ALL responsible for building relationships across each domain of our lives. We can be standoffish, or jump in and connect with enthusiasm and Authenticity. The choice is once again, OURS. If we want to experience more success, more happiness and wellbeing in our lives, then we need to think about our connections with every person we meet in a day.
If you are a manager, executive, leader, or CEO of an organisation then your Number One Priority is heightened more than ever before. Your priority needs to be the people. The people in your teams, in your workspace, in your collaborations. This is your opportunity to lead by example and cultivate an environment that enhances the relationships and connections between all employees.
As the Maori Proverb expresses:
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
People are our greatest assets. Relationships are the glue that holds us together.