What is Social Wellbeing? Understanding and Cultivating Wellness in the Workplace

The new Workhuman and Gallup report, Amplifying Wellbeing at Work and Beyond Through the Power of Recognition, outlines five essential elements of employee wellbeing: career satisfaction, financial health, physical well-being and mental health, community connection, and social well-being (healthy relationships). The report also identifies the cost/benefits of employee wellbeing and the impact a strong employee recognition program can have on fostering positive relationships and wellbeing in the workplace. The five essential elements include career satisfaction, financial health, physical well-being and mental health, community connection, and social well-being (healthy relationships). Supporting social wellness in the workplace improves individual and organizational success by showing employees that connection is valued. Positive relationships at work help build emotional resilience and reduce stressors.

High employee wellbeing prepares employees to excel in everything they do, while social isolation can lower self-esteem, negatively impact health, and diminish productivity. Neglecting employee wellbeing is a costly mistake, with $20 million of opportunity loss and $322 billion cost globally in turnover and lost productivity. Organizations often focus on costly options such as EAPs and health insurance, overlooking more affordable and effective ways such as a strategic employee recognition program. Recognition can improve social and emotional wellbeing by connecting employees to one another and their work.