Building relationships to achieve more: the key role of relationships at work

Relationships at work are not limited to formal or professional exchanges. They constitute a fundamental pillar of personal and collective development, and directly influence the business performance. However, changes in our Western ways of living and working are weakening these connections. This article highlights the importance of social ties, the impacts of loneliness, and solutions for cultivating quality relationships at work.

Understanding social relationships

Before discussing the consequences of isolation or the solutions to be put in place, it is essential to understand what social connection is and why it is so important in professional life.

What is social connection?

Social connection is different from simple superficial relationships. It is a deep and lasting connection, built on trust, respect and mutual commitment. At work, this connection takes many forms:

• Belonging to a team or a group,
• Recognition skills and efforts,
• Mutual support in the face of professional challenges.

It goes beyond the simple fact of being around colleagues: it allows you to build rich and meaningful relationships, thus strengthening the feeling of belonging.

Why is social contact essential?

As the sociologist pointed out Émile Durkheim, individuals are built and thrive in interaction with others. This need, rooted in childhood, remains just as essential in adulthood, and especially at work. The benefits are multiple:

• It contributes to better mental health by reducing stress and promoting well-being,
• It reinforces self-esteem by providing recognition and validation,
• It gives meaning to work by creating a sense of belonging to a collective.

For all these reasons, social ties at work are essential, in fact, according to the QVCT Qualisocial x IPSOS barometer, relationships and the atmosphere at work is the 2nd QVCT item the most acclaimed by the French.

The benefits of relationships at work

In a professional environment, solid relationships promote:

• Better collaboration between colleagues,
• Increased motivation, because employees feel supported and valued,
• Greater resilience in the face of challenges and times of change,
• A reduction in turnover and talent retention, because a positive social environment is attractive.

Despite these numerous advantages, more and more employees feel isolated. Why? And what are the consequences?

Loneliness at work: its causes and impacts on QVCT

To better understand the effects of loneliness, it is important to first analyze the reasons behind this rise in isolation at work.

The causes of loneliness at work

Several factors contribute to employee isolation, including:

• The rise of digital tools:
• although they facilitate communication, these tools often replace face-to-face interactions with more impersonal exchanges,
• The development of teleworking: despite its advantages, teleworking limits informal moments of exchange, which are essential for forging relationships,
• Pressure at work: high workloads leave little time for social interactions,
• The evolution of social behaviors: the rise of individualism and digital loneliness, especially among young people, makes it more difficult to create deep relationships.

The impacts of loneliness on individuals and organizations

Isolation, when it occurs, has major consequences on the quality of life of employees and on the performance of organizations, this one:

• Reduces professional satisfaction and personal development,
• Generates a feeling of invisibility and a loss of recognition,
• Increases psychosocial risks, such as stress, depression or burn-out,
• Curbs collaboration and engagement, directly impacting productivity and innovation.

These negative effects highlight the urgency of reacting to re-establish a positive social environment in companies. But what concrete actions can be put in place? To counter isolation and improve the quality of life at work, it is possible to adopt effective strategies that reinvigorate social relationships.‍

To go further on this theme, we invite you to participate in our webinar dedicated to social ties and relationships at work. Led by Alix de Commines, Director of Operations, and Justine Paternoster, Project Manager and Psychologist at Qualisocial.

This 45-minute appointment will cover:

• The importance of social ties at work and the needs they meet,
• The role of workplace relationships in the prevention of PSR and the improvement of QVCT,
• Concrete solutions to strengthen professional relationships.

A discussion time at the end of the session will allow you to answer your questions and provide personalized advice.

Register now so you don't miss this event!

In conclusion...

Relationships at work are much more than just a bonus: they are an essential foundation for the well-being of employees and the success of organizations. In a context where isolation is gaining ground, it is urgent to restore the full place of human interactions. With targeted actions, Businesses can create environments where everyone feels supported, recognized, and included. Cultivating social ties means investing in teams more committed, more efficient and better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Sources:

- Émile Durkheim, work on solidarity and the importance of social ties.

- Abraham Maslow and the pyramid of needs (needs for belonging and recognition).

- Bowlby, attachment theory.

- INSEE, Social Relations 2023