Corporate Wellness

Social Networking When You Hate It - An Introvert's Guide

November 18, 2022
The Wellness Tribe Team

The pandemic has compelled us to go online in recent years. We could only conduct business online since physical meetings were not permitted. Some of us found it unbearable, while others benefited, making most of whatever was available in the form of a company.

We are progressively being asked to leave the safety of our virtual world and speak with actual words rather than emojis and GIFs now that things are more-or-less under control once again. So we can understand how some people would find that adjustment challenging.

Walking up to strangers can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. But with some practice and a few tips, you could meet new friends at every turn.

Learn the Three W's (Why, Where, and When) of talking.

The Three W's of Talking to Strangers—why, where, and when—help set the stage before delving into the specifics of how to approach someone you don't know.

  • Why? Find out why you want to talk to people you don't know.
  • Where? Go where people are to talk to them.
  • When? Use a stranger's body language to know when to talk to them.

Instead of thinking you need to connect with dozens of people or businesses, focus on connecting with just one. Once you've reached that goal, you might feel more confident to go on and talk to someone else. If you have a list of people who will be there, you can be even more specific about your goal.

Gain Connection Early

Understanding the Link Between Quiet Quitting, Great Resignation and Moonlighting
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

If you're shy or quiet, the best time to show up at an event is at the start. Fewer people are in the room during the pre-event period, so you can speak without being interrupted. Also, as the room fills up, everyone is looking for someone to talk to. 

When you make one great connection early on in the night, you'll gain confidence and meet more new people as the night progresses.

Icebreakers! Pick Yours

Understanding the Link Between Quiet Quitting, Great Resignation and Moonlighting
Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash

Having a few icebreaker questions or topics ready can help you feel more comfortable when talking to someone for the first time. 

Among these topics are how they heard about the event, how long they've been with the organization, what they enjoy doing around town with their family, or what's exciting for them in the future. 

Try to engage in a natural conversation with your conversation partner instead of focusing solely on their work. Doing so leaves a lasting impression, learns what makes the person tick, and gets to know them better.

Here are a few examples of icebreakers:

1. How many countries have you visited?

2. What would be your dream place to live if you had the choice?

3. Do you have a favorite TV show?

Make A List

Understanding the Link Between Quiet Quitting, Great Resignation and Moonlighting
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Make a list of questions you can always ask to get you through the first few minutes of the meeting. No one in the world doesn't like talking about themselves. 

Find out what brand they work on, and tell them what you know about their company. Then, tell them why you like their product if you use it. This gives people a chance to tell stories, which is a great way to find things they have in common.

Keep It Going

The best way to build a long-lasting relationship is to become a mentor or mentee. The benefits of mentoring in business are many, including avoiding too much formality in the relationship. In addition, you can be honest with the other people involved by revealing your flaws and goals.

The fear of not knowing what to expect makes some people afraid to seek advice or assistance from others. Mentoring also helps you to understand the next generation better. The importance of building strong relationships below you is just as great as it is for those above you. In your role as a mentee, you will benefit from the advice and objective viewpoint of someone you trust and respect.

Closing Thoughts

There's no doubt that a strong network can help your business, and it works both ways. So, if you're stuck, look for ways you can help your peers. With that simple action, you're already social networking in the best way possible.

Do you feel better prepared to network now that you have the tips? What is one tip you can easily implement from this article? Let us know in the comments below.

Occupational Wellbeing

The 5 most interesting insights from the 2022 Indeed Report

December 18, 2022
TheWellnessTribe Team

Indeed, the world's largest job search website recently released its 2022 Work Wellbeing Insights Report, which surveyed over 1,000 employees to understand their views on work and well-being. Here are the top five findings from the report:

Putting Well-Being Ahead of Career

A majority of workers value their well-being over their careers. The report found that 54% of workers prioritise their well-being over their career advancement, with only 46% putting their careers over their well-being. This indicates a shift in the traditional mindset of placing work over personal health and happiness.

Top 5 findings: 2022 Indeed Report

Work-life balance is the top concern for workers. When asked about their top concerns related to work, 61% of workers cited work-life balance as their top concern, followed by job security (50%) and stress levels (49%). This highlights the importance of companies providing flexible work options and support for their employees' mental and physical health.

Burnout Is More Widespread Than Acknowledged.

Top 5 Findings: 2022 Indeed Report
Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash

Burnout is a widespread problem. The report found that 60% of workers have experienced burnout, with over half (51%) saying they have felt burnt out at their current job. Burnout can have serious consequences for both individual employees and companies, so it's important for employers to provide support and resources to prevent and manage burnout.

Indeed Report Job Satisfaction - 3/10 employees believe that low general job satisfaction is the main reason for the growing trend of quiet quitting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on work and well-being. Over half (54%) of workers reported that the pandemic has negatively impacted their work and well-being, with common concerns including increased stress and anxiety levels and difficulty balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Greater Demand for Mental Health Services

Access to mental health resources is crucial. The report found that 88% of workers believe that their employer should provide mental health resources and support. This indicates a strong desire among workers for their companies to prioritise their mental health and provide resources to help them manage stress and other mental health concerns.

Office workers are faring better than other professions.

Office workers reported lower rates of toxic work environments compared to manual laborers and service workers (people who interact with customers or clients, including food and retail workers, teachers, and healthcare workers). During the pandemic, office workers also reported more improvements to their work schedules in terms of flexibility and hours, while manual laborers and service workers reported more deterioration.

Positive work environments contribute to well-being.

Positive work environments contribute to well-being.
Photo by Redd F on Unsplash

This finding highlights the importance of creating a positive work culture and investing in employee development and growth. Employers can contribute to the well-being of their employees by creating a supportive and positive work environment that fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning. This may include providing opportunities for professional development and growth, promoting open communication and collaboration, and recognizing and valuing the contributions of employees.

In addition to creating a positive work culture, employers can also support the well-being of their employees by addressing any factors that may be contributing to stress or negative feelings. This may include addressing workload, providing resources for mental health support, and promoting work-life balance. By prioritizing their employees' well-being, employers can improve their workforce's overall health and happiness and increase productivity and overall business success.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the findings from Indeed's 2022 Work Wellbeing Insights Report highlight the importance of paying attention to well-being in the workplace. From prioritising work-life balance to providing mental health resources, there are many steps that employers can take to support their employees' well-being and create a healthier and more positive work environment.

Wellness Tribe Team has put together a workplace wellness guide for 2023; you can check it out here etc.

Spiritual Wellbeing

Journey to Inner Peace: Monk's Quest for Ultimate Happiness

January 26, 2023
The Wellness Tribe Team

The quest for happiness is one that has captivated our hearts and minds for centuries. From the musings of ancient philosophers to the studies of modern scientists, the human desire for contentment is eternal. Some seek happiness in material possessions, others in fame and success, while some embark on a journey of spirituality and self-discovery. 

But what if the key to happiness lies not in external pursuits but within ourselves? Meet Matthieu Ricard, a French scientist-turned-Buddhist monk who was deemed the "happiest person alive" by a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin. 

His remarkable journey from the lab to the Himalayas and his unique perspective on the art of living offer valuable insights on the path to true and enduring happiness.

Unlocking the Secrets of Bliss

Journey to Inner Peace: Monk's Quest for Ultimate Happiness
Credits: media.gq.com

The quest for happiness has been perennial, with many people searching for the key to unlocking the secrets of contentment. But it wasn't until a groundbreaking study by the University of Wisconsin that the world saw the mystery behind true and unyielding joy. 

The study centered on Matthieu Ricard, a French scientist-turned-Buddhist monk who had devoted his life to practicing meditation and pursuing inner peace. By hooking up his skull to 256 sensors, the study revealed that while Ricard meditated, his brain produced gamma waves linked to consciousness, attention, learning, and memory at levels that had never been reported before. The scans revealed a brain that was lit up with activity in the left prefrontal cortex, in comparison to the right one, suggesting an extraordinary ability to experience happiness and a minimal tendency towards negativity.

This study confirmed the connection between meditation and happiness and provided a deeper understanding of the neuroscience of happiness. The results of the study showed that through regular meditation and mental training, it is possible to increase our level of satisfaction and improve our overall wellbeing. The study also highlighted the role of the prefrontal cortex in regulating emotions and showed that we could change how we process and experience emotions through mental training.

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama.

The Key to Joy

In the quest for happiness, Matthieu Ricard, the "happiest man alive," discovered that the key to true joy lies not in external pursuits but instead in the cultivation of a benevolent mindset and the training of the mind. He emphasizes the power of benevolence, passion, and solidarity in fostering a healthy state of mind that leads to flourishing. He also believes that just like physical training improves our physical health, mental training can improve our mental and emotional well-being.

To aid individuals on this path, Ricard suggests a simple yet powerful technique that can be done in 10-15 minutes daily. He advises spending this time thinking of doing something nice for others or remembering a joyful moment from the past. Dwelling on these positive emotions for more than a few seconds will provide mental benefits in the long run and can even deliver results in as little as two weeks.

Navigating the Roadblocks to Happiness

Society, especially in the Western world, heavily emphasizes individualism. This mindset, however, can often work against our well-being. For example, the constant pressure to achieve success and attain material possessions can lead to a constant state of wanting more, never feeling satisfied, and ultimately leading to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness. Additionally, this pressure to constantly strive for more can lead to an unhealthy focus on the self, causing us to view the world as a threat or as something to be used for our own gain.

It's important to note that happiness and inner peace may be unattainable for some individuals without professional help. Those struggling with issues such as depression and anxiety may find it difficult to achieve happiness without seeking the help of a professional. It is essential for these individuals to reach out for help and to understand that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but rather a step towards a healthier and happier life.

Conclusion

The journey to true happiness and inner peace is not an easy one, but it is a journey worth undertaking. The teachings of Matthieu Ricard, the "happiest man alive," have shown that it is possible to elevate our level of happiness through mental training and the cultivation of a benevolent mindset. The potential of mental training to improve our mental and emotional well-being has been scientifically proven, and the rewards of a benevolent attitude have been described as a healthy state of mind that leads to flourishing.

It's important to remember that happiness and serenity require practice and effort, but it is accessible to all. The path to inner peace may not be a straight one, but with the right tools and support, it is possible to navigate through the obstacles and find true inner peace. The journey to inner peace and happiness is worth journey undertaking, and the rewards are immeasurable.

Join the Wellness Tribe

Join The Tribe

This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.