Happiness is no coincidence.
It thrives in #relationships.
After 87 years of research, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running study on human development, shows that it is not professional success or our bank balance that determines our happiness in old age, but the quality of our relationships. People with fulfilling, close relationships tend to be happier and healthier.
We put a lot of energy into our careers, but how much attention do we pay to the people around us? A quick heart emoji instead of a phone call, a postponed meeting. In stressful times, we find it difficult to pay attention to real #encounters. We tend to avoid interactions or attach less importance to them.
Yet cultivated relationships are one of the smartest investments for our #well-being. Incidentally, studies also show that loneliness is just as harmful to health as smoking or lack of exercise. And in the end, we don't remember tasks, we remember the people we shared our time with.
micromoments of connectedness
In their research on “High-Quality Connections”, Jane Dutton and Monica Worline show that even short, high-quality interactions can have a profound impact. They not only promote individual well-being, but also the collective performance of teams.
They identify four simple ways to strengthen connections:
- Respectful encounters: When we give others our full attention, actively listen and honor their strengths, we create a space for genuine connection. This forms the basis for trust and strengthens the sense of belonging in the team.
- Building mutual support: Help creates connection, especially when it is proactive. It starts with recognizing the needs of others and acting without being asked. This not only promotes individual resilience, but also positive team dynamics.
- Trustful communication: Trust is created when we give others the feeling that they can be vulnerable. When we keep promises, admit mistakes and communicate transparently, we create a foundation for deeper connections.
- Lightness in everyday working life: Laughing together, creative and playful forms of collaboration are powerful catalysts for connection. They open up spaces for new ideas, strengthen the team and create a positive working atmosphere.
These ideas are easy to incorporate into everyday working life. Why not start today on #WorldHappinessDay?
- Who could I give my full attention to today?
- Who could I proactively offer my support to?
- Where could I create more trust through transparency?
- How could I bring more ease into my encounters?
