The growing use of hybrid work models has changed how work teams connect, communicate, and collaborate. While physical health programs and mental health resources are pillars of modern well-being strategies, a critical element that often slips through the cracks is that of Social Wellness.
Humans are a social species by nature, we have survived through cooperation, and our need for belonging is just as strong today, whether it is with family, friends, or coworkers. With the rise of remote work and fragmented schedules, there is a shift in how we connect with coworkers.
Role Of Social Wellness In Workplaces
Employees scattered across screens and time zones report feeling disconnected, with over 60% of hybrid workers admitting to struggling with a lack of meaningful workplace relationships (Gallup, 2023).
While remote work offers employees and employers flexibility, autonomy, and multiple other benefits, it also presents a challenge: how do we maintain strong social bonds and a sense of belonging when we’re not physically together every day?
Social wellness is often overlooked as a part of remote work. But it remains a crucial element that impacts employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. It also affects work relationships, communication culture, and how connected employees feel to their team and the organization.
- Boosts Employee Engagement & Retention: Encouraging social connections in the workplace can help to improve employee engagement and retention. Employees who lack meaningful connections at work are up to nine times more likely to be disengaged and three times more likely to actively seek a new job.
- Enhances Company Culture: Having a culture of strong interpersonal relationships and encouraging an inclusive work environment supports a positive company culture and employees develop a sense of belonging and connection.
- Improves Team Cohesion: Social integration results in better communication, collaboration, and conflict management, increasing overall efficiency.
1. Start with Intentional Communication
Remote work without structure often leads to silence, not serenity. Encourage intentional communication, which means setting clear norms around when and how the team connects. Whether it’s a daily check-in, a weekly roundup, or a monthly town hall, make it easy for people to interact beyond work tasks.
Use collaborative tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom not just for work, but for light-hearted conversation too. Have dedicated channels for casual chats, celebrations, or even just meme sharing to simulate the “water cooler” moment in the virtual space.
2. Build Relevant Team Rituals
Rituals bring consistency, identity, and belonging. In a hybrid world, weekly “Virtual Coffee Fridays” or monthly “Show and Tell” sessions can go a long way in maintaining camaraderie.
Encourage managers to initiate small group bonding rituals like rotating peer check-ins or “Lunch and Learn” sessions. The key is to make space for informal, human moments within the professional environment.
3. Promote Mental and Emotional Well-being
Social wellness doesn’t exist in isolation; it is a concept that is closely tied to emotional wellness. Create awareness around mental health and normalize asking for help. Encourage peer support groups or mental health days, and equip managers to be emotionally intelligent leaders.
Consider offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or wellness webinars that include topics like empathy, active listening, and stress management. Want to explore more ways to support employee well-being? Read our guide on The Impact of Mental Health Support on Employee Productivity and Satisfaction.
4. Support Social Wellness with Benefits That Connect
Social wellness can also be built through shared experiences, like group fitness challenges, volunteering initiatives, or subsidized interest-based clubs. Providing benefits that foster a sense of community strengthens connections.
HR teams can offer hybrid-friendly perks such as:
- Access to virtual fitness or meditation classes
- Sponsored hobby groups or lunch allowances for in-office days
- Discounted therapy or coaching sessions
These types of benefits reinforce that the company cares about the person, not just the position.
5. Recognize and Celebrate Together
Engaging in group activities or interest-based groups is a great way to feel connected with team members while participating in something you love. Whether it’s a fitness group, book club, or hobby-based meetup, being part of a common interest fosters belonging and purpose.
Group activities promote bonding, reduce stress, and provide an opportunity to share experiences. People with strong social networks usually deliver better work quality and are more engaged.
For employers: Recognition boosts morale, especially when done publicly and consistently. Celebrate wins, big or small, and encourage peers to appreciate each other. A simple team email shoutout can go a long way in making people feel valued.
You can also build traditions around celebrations—like a “Remote Birthday Wall” or a monthly “Cheers & Peers” roundup. To learn more about building a positive organizational culture, check out How Career Development Helps Both Employees and Organizations
6. Create Access to Social Opportunities
Hybrid work can sometimes feel like two different worlds, one for office-goers and one for remote workers. Avoid creating a culture where remote employees feel left out. When planning social initiatives or team-building activities, make sure both in-person and virtual participation are possible.
Simple things like hybrid game days, online escape rooms, or dual-mode workshops (with Zoom + physical presence) can bridge that gap.
Final Thoughts
Social wellness is not just about having friendly terms at work, it is about developing a culture of connection, inclusiveness, and psychological safety. In a hybrid world, where the lines between personal and professional are increasingly blurred, organizations that highlight social wellness will have a more engaged, loyal, and collaborative workforce.
As a social species, the holistic well-being of humans depends on a strong sense of belonging. In the workplace, an employee’s social wellness can be nurtured through positive interactions with team members that amplify a shared sense of unity amongst team members.
Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.
