Prosocial Outlets = Workplace Connectedness = :)

By Hillarie Holcomb, NetVU Marketing Specialist | 1/30/2017

Working from home is possibly the best thing to hit the industry, in my opinion. My husband is a U.S. Marine and we are constantly on the move. There’s a little space in our small townhouse that is designated as my office. I have a web cam and skype so I can see and talk to my colleagues, who are all over the country. I created a special Spotify playlist to listen to while I’m getting things done. Two house rabbits keep me company when I need a quick break. Still, with all that, I can feel like there is something missing. While volunteering at MetroCrest during the NetVU quarterly meeting in Irving last month, I discovered exactly what it was – true workplace connectedness. 

Volunteering, at any capacity, feels good. It feels so good that it’s hard to remember why I don’t do it more often. You know what else feels good? Laughing, talking, being silly, working as a team and getting to really know who you are skyping with daily. 

Here is some of what I learned:  
  • We are an adaptable group.
  • Some of us are not good at operating pallet movers except for Melissa Bond, she’s pretty good. 
  • I work with some very funny people.
  • There are many big hearts in our group.
  • If you need a decent sign made, talk to Debbie Ivie.
  • I may have forgotten how to ride a bike.
  • We can get a lot done together in a very short amount of time. 
  • Everyone I work with really cares about our mission and is trying their very best.
 Now, when I’m skyping or emailing my colleagues, I have an overwhelming feeling of trust in them. I have an emotional connection which, in turn, makes me happier and more productive. I have a chance to ask them about non-work related topics like, “Have your pallet moving skills improved”?

As it turns out, workplaces connection and trust are both independently linked to happiness and satisfaction in life. The discussion, The Social Context of Well-Being, provides evidence that a person’s social capital can be linked to well-being. Emotional connectedness with colleagues helps create an environment of support, fun and energy. I think we can all agree that when people are happy, they are nicer to be around and more likely to go the extra mile for each other. Per this article in the Harvard Business Review, trusting and supportive work relationships are extremely important to an employee’s state of mind – and their willingness to contribute to the organization.

I’m proud to be part of NetVU. Working for an association that not only gives back to the insurance industry and the community is such a great opportunity. We’re all looking to be part of something that is bigger than ourselves. Giving back to our community is a great way to build both pride in your organization and workplace connectedness. I feel grateful that my employer gives me a prosocial outlet. This sense of pride, gratitude and trust give me the extra push I need to go above and beyond. That makes me happy! 

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