Taiwan not only gave a sizable donation for the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, but also gave a profound message and beautiful lesson. The money was distributed through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices in Atlanta and Miami and officials came to NC in person to give the donation.
A quote in the News and Observer article stated, “Taiwan has experienced similar tragedies and understands the profound sense of loss that follows typhoons and earthquakes,” Yi-Lung Wang, director general of the Atlanta office, said in a written statement. “It is this shared experience that motivates us to stand in solidarity with the people of North Carolina during this difficult time.”
Who can help to not be incredibly moved by this?
We have a shared experience with others on our planet. We have more in common with others regardless of geographic location and differing backgrounds. We are stronger and better together!
What happens to one of us can not only happen to any of us, but impacts our world in profound ways. But if we stand in solidarity, remembering what it is like to experience suffering and devastation, then we can overcome any tragedy together.
We realize that our world keeps getting smaller. As leaders, and safety and wellness professionals, we need to cultivate connection, empathy, and compassion at work, in our communities, and in our world. In unity we enhance safety and well-being for ourselves and each other.
Who do you stand with in solidarity? Who should we stand with in solidarity? Isolation is not the answer and impacts not only our well-being but our very survival.
Here are suggestions that will enhance your own well-being even more than those you help,
- Get to know your co-workers, neighbors, and others in your community.
- Have each other’s back at work and home.
- Reach out to those in need.
And, what happens in the workplace matters!
We can make a difference in our organizations by cultivating belonging, connection, and a positive work environment. Loneliness and isolationism in the workplace and in our communities has received much attention in the recent past and yet the ‘loneliness pandemic’ continues. The 2024 State of the Global Workplace report by Gallup found that one in five employees worldwide currently feels lonely at work – 1 in 5! That’s a considerable percentage.
Even more significant, what Gallup’s research found is that the experience of loneliness is regardless of in person, hybrid schedules, or remote work. Businesses that have required employees to return to the office have actually inflamed the situation rather than improve it.
The research also found other myths, and in fact burst a significant myth that loneliness is personal, not organizational. Yes, there are many contributing factors; however, there is very much an organizational impact, with managers play a major role in increasing or eliminating loneliness at work. Belonging, feeling appreciated, and being invested in the mission and work drastically reduce loneliness, and enhance our connections. We are truly stronger, safer, and better together.
What can leaders do to address loneliness in the workplace? Here are four simple tips to get started,
- Cultivate connection: encourage discussions between co-workers as well as colleagues in other departments so that employees get to know each other and can lean on each other personally and professionally.
- Purposefully schedule downtime to allow for positive interactions. ‘Pauses’ allow time to build trust, engage, and also reflect which leads to enhanced comradery and creativity
- Foster a positive work environment rather than one that is competitive, toxic, and hostile. Employees will perceive a sense of belonging and caring that will ripple into all aspects of work as well as personal lives.
- Embed social activities into workflow. For example, allow time for ‘chitchat’ at meetings, and social hours or activities. At Dimensions we start our weekly huddles with each of us sharing positive events and/or concerns.
It matters! The well-being of the organization, our communities, and the employees ARE inextricably connected. Focusing on all aspects of safety and well-being cultivates a socially, emotionally, psychologically, and physically well workplace – one that is safe and sound!.
Read more on Taiwan’s donation: Helene Donation and the HBR Article: We’re Still Lonely At Work
Photo by Bethany Legg on Unsplash
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash