Sociality is a crucial element for individual and collective well-being.
If we consider that, on average, a large part of our day takes place in a work context, it is quite evident that this aspect cannot be underestimated by companies.
Interpersonal relationships influence not only the quality of life, but also productivity and the quality of work.
Let's delve deeper into the concept of " sociality ", the evolutionary relevance of socialization, today's data relating to work and the role of Corporate Welfare in promoting solid relationships between colleagues and a fair balance between work and private life.
What is “sociality”?
The term sociability refers to the ability and innate human need to connect with others, building relationships based on trust, respect and collaboration.
This is an intrinsic component of human nature: we are, by definition, “social beings” .
But sociality is not limited to physical encounters: it also includes digital communication, empathy and the desire to share experiences.
At work, sociability manifests itself in the form of informal exchanges during coffee breaks, group brainstorming, team building moments and much more... And such moments of connection help to strengthen bonds and make the work environment more harmonious and productive.
Socialization and interaction with others: essential factors for evolution
From an evolutionary perspective, humans have thrived so much precisely because of their ability to create communities and relationships.
Collaborating, sharing resources and supporting each other have been fundamental elements for the survival of the species, but we must not think that these are peculiarities similar only to the past!
Even in the modern world, the need for interaction remains a fundamental pillar for psychophysical well-being.
Among other things, in fact, healthy interpersonal relationships stimulate the release of oxytocin (the feel-good hormone), reducing stress and anxiety.
In the workplace, this translates into: more cohesive teams, greater creativity, and more effective problem solving.
The real need for sociality today, data in hand!
According to a study conducted by Harvard University, chronic loneliness can increase the risk of premature mortality by 26%.
It goes without saying that the relational habitat influences the quality of life, both individual and collective, and that interpersonal relationships increase the sense of belonging and mental well-being, amplify levels of happiness, reducing stress and improving self-esteem.
health levels .
As a result, workplaces that are committed to fostering human interactions between colleagues experience higher rates of employee satisfaction and retention.
Sociality is, in short, the basis of wellbeing and of the work-life balance .
Socializing in the workplace and life outside of work: free time is also important
“... it is a well-being that requires dedicating more time to self-care:
82.8% of Italians are more attentive to their well-being than in the past
psychophysical, to his health, to stress management and to relationships…”
[Source: 7th Censis-Eudaimon Report ]
Even in light of new scales of values , quality of life is increasingly linked - in addition to physical well-being - to mental well-being.
67.7 % of employed people would like to reduce the time spent at work
82.8 % pay more attention to their physical and mental well-being
[Source: 7th Censis-Eudaimon Report]
Starting from this assumption, the value of free time is obviously crucial (as we have already seen HERE ), but it is also good to focus on the time spent in the office, which - inevitably - ends up being much more in comparison.
Good socializing at work often begins with simple daily habits: shared lunches, after-hours aperitifs, or team-building activities.
However, it remains equally important that employees find time to cultivate relationships and personal interests outside of work.
A healthy work-life balance not only improves overall well-being, but also creates a stronger foundation for healthy professional relationships.
When employees feel valued in their human dimension, they are more likely to collaborate in a positive and constructive way at work.
How to put all this into practice?
The Role of Corporate Welfare in Interpersonal Relations
“… a significant majority of employed people find that the company they work for
is not attentive to the psychophysical well-being of its workers: this is declared by
61.7% of workers.
…
Dissatisfaction with corporate attention to the physical and mental well-being of employees
workers is expressed by 62.3% of employees, 68.4% of workers, and
39.2% of managers.”
[Source: 7th Censis-Eudaimon Report]
Corporate Welfare plays a crucial role in facilitating sociality at work.
Initiatives such as mentoring programs , group training courses , and well-designed shared spaces encourage interaction between colleagues.
Many companies are investing in innovative solutions to promote social well-being internally, through the organization of corporate events, group mindfulness sessions, trips, charity , social and team sports activities.
At the same time, through the benefits and other services offered through Corporate Welfare, it is possible to encourage and promote interpersonal relationships and socializing outside the workplace, improving or facilitating the quality of activities carried out during free time.
These initiatives not only improve the mood and mental health of employees, but also strengthen the sense of belonging to a work community.
The so-called “interpersonal skills” (soft skills and relational skills) are essential skills for the consolidation of the Team: useful for aligning the company objectives and the needs of the individual members, creating relationships based on respect, trust and mutual loyalty (both towards colleagues and towards the company).
The work of the future must be increasingly: hybrid, empathetic and creative!
Sociality and interpersonal relationships are not a luxury, but a necessity in today's work context.
Fostering a work environment where human connections are valued not only improves the quality of life of employees, but also represents a competitive advantage for companies.
Investing in Corporate Welfare , putting people at the center , and encouraging moments of socialization, both at work and in free time, is a winning choice for building a more serene and collaborative future.