Most of us spend a third of our 24-hr. day at work! We make friends at work, we enjoy each other’s company at work, we eat together, take breaks, and even enjoy each other’s company outside of work. Social wellness in our warehouses and offices is very important to us and we encourage it.
Google gives us a description of what social wellness in the workplace looks like: “Social wellness in the workplace refers to the positive connections and relationships employees have with each other and their sense of belonging within the organization. It’s about fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable, supported, and valued, which in turn can improve engagement, productivity, and overall well-being.”
Workplace Relationships
At AMS we have always highly valued our employees, encouraging in them a sense of belonging and providing for them a strong support system. Our management is respectful of all employees with a focus upon teamwork and collaboration.
The AMS culture is inclusive, and diversity is highly valued. We encourage the connections our employees create with each other for mutual support within work and outside of work. Truth is… we meet friends at work and if we’re exceptionally lucky we may even meet our spouse at work. So, as readers can see, social wellness matters.
The Workplace Benefits
According to Google, the benefits of social wellness are as follows: “Increased employee engagement, improved productivity, enhanced morale and job satisfaction, reduced stress and burnout, increased retention.” In this instance Google makes a whole lot of sense. We know that when we foster social wellness in our warehouses and offices, intentionally creating an inclusive and collaborative work culture, everyone benefits.
An article in National Today [LINK] on the history of the commemoration, gives us a beautiful look into not only the history, but the benefits of social wellness.
“However, even before science stepped into the picture, during 3000–1500 B.C., the ancient Hindu Ayurvedic text emphasized the fulfillment of an individual’s needs that range from nutrition, hygiene, and exercise to social interaction. According to the text, a balance had to be maintained amongst all these factors to achieve harmony between body, mind, and spirit. These teachings were further complimented by American health expert Dunn H. Travis (1896–1975) who strongly believed that health was affected by environmental friendliness. This message was further reiterated by other scientists who revealed how social interactions with friends, family, and neighbors can influence our well-being. After many such studies, an emphasis was placed on searching for ways where one could be involved with a community and have several social interactions.”
Our AMS World Today
Readers of this blog know that we often talk about our employees joining in various community events and supporting our sustainability efforts with the AMS Green Team. We are more than happy to provide the Employee Assistance Program, which offers free counseling and services to employees facing personal or work-related problems. EAPs address mental health, substance abuse, stress and family issues and these offerings are all focused upon social wellness.
So, yes, social wellness in the workplace matters to AMS and always has. It matters to us that all employees are respected and encouraged, receiving benefits and fair pay, as we know that people spend a good portion of their lives at work and they depend upon work to provide for them. Work relationships matter to our employees, and our employees matter to us.
To all of our employees, clients and friends… have a wonderful ‘social wellness’ month and enjoy your workplace community – your co-workers and your friends.
