2020 has been a year full of ups and downs.

The pandemic has given rise to the norms of ‘social distancing’ and ‘self-isolation’ and this has proved effective in the fight against COVID-19. However, as we follow these norms, we forget to take into account its impact on a primary human requirement- connection.

A survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that 50% of Indians believed that they were likely to experience loneliness in 2020. Many people are also experiencing ‘touch starvation’ due to the loss of the sense of community. Mother Teresa once said,

“the greatest disease today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love…”

As the festive season continues, the inability to travel to meet our loved ones or engage in community events around us can take a toll on our physical and emotional wellness.  It’s time for organizations to step in and lend a shoulder of support to their workforce.

Social wellness simply refers to the relationships you have and how you interact with them. Very few companies offer social wellness programs, focusing instead on physical or emotional wellness. However, at this time, social wellness is integral in achieving the goal of holistic wellbeing within your organization.

Help your organisation better their social wellbeing by following the below practices:

1. Build a sense of community:

   As people work remotely, team bonding and office banter has significantly reduced. Provide virtual opportunities for your workforce to connect with each other outside of work deliverables.  A virtual happy hour or a Friday for a team meeting is a great way for colleagues to meet each other socially. Integrate your employees into the CSR plan or host a virtual concert. Webinars on photography, painting or other crafts can give your employees a chance to get together and pick up a new, interesting hobby.

2. Create an environment of sharing:

   Sharing personal experiences is one of the most important cornerstones of connection. Encourage your employees to share what they do for self-care as they work from home. A virtual sharing session can help your workforce learn more about each other and discover new ways to care for themselves.

3. Offer emotional support services:

   When we experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, we can fall into the trap of believing we have no one to talk to. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a popular method of ensuring your workforce has access to expert guidance when things get tough. Arranging group sessions to reduce the stigma around mental health issues can boost morale and reduce feelings of depression, stress and anxiety.

4. Promote common interests:
   

   Finding common ground with another person can help us feel connected and involved. Arrange peer-to-peer catch-ups on mutual interests or host a fitness challenge or virtual run! These activities also build team spirit within the organization.

Your organization’s understanding of all wellbeing pillars can be broadened with Wellbeing on the Web. Issues like mental health, social isolation, stress, work-life balance and much more are dealt with on the platform. Request a demo here today and help your employees cope with loneliness this festive season.