Supportive colleagues can help to increase an individual's sense of relational resilience and promote their overall mental health. Relational resilience is the ability to manage stressors that arise from interpersonal interactions effectively, while maintaining positive emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility. It involves developing coping strategies that allow individuals to navigate challenging situations without becoming overwhelmed or distressed. Supportive colleagues provide a safe space for individuals to process difficult experiences, share their thoughts and feelings, and receive validation and encouragement. This creates a support system that allows individuals to better handle life's ups and downs, which ultimately leads to improved well-being.
One way that supportive colleagues contribute to relational resilience is by providing validation. Validation occurs when someone recognizes another person's experience as valid and acknowledges it as a real issue.
If an employee feels like they are being unfairly treated at work, a supportive colleague might validate this feeling by saying something like "That sounds really tough" or "I understand how you feel." Validating someone else's experiences helps them feel seen and heard, which in turn increases their confidence and self-esteem. This also allows individuals to take action to address the situation more effectively, rather than bottling up their frustrations or feeling powerless.
Another way that supportive colleagues contribute to relational resilience is by offering empathy. Empathy refers to understanding another person's perspective and emotions. When someone feels understood and supported by their colleagues, they are more likely to be open and honest about what they are going through. This can help them identify potential solutions and find new ways of thinking about their problems.
A colleague who has been struggling with anxiety may benefit from having someone to talk to who truly understands what they are experiencing. A supportive colleague could offer comforting words like "I know how hard it must be to manage your anxiety" or "You are not alone in feeling this way." By providing empathy, these colleagues demonstrate that they care deeply about their coworker's well-being and are willing to go above and beyond to help them thrive.
Supportive colleagues can also contribute to relational resilience by promoting positive communication. Positive communication involves using clear and respectful language, active listening, and avoiding blame or criticism. If an employee is feeling stressed out at work, a supportive colleague might suggest setting boundaries or practicing mindfulness techniques to reduce stress. They could also provide feedback on how to communicate more effectively with others, such as "Have you considered saying something along the lines of 'I appreciate your input but I need some time to process before responding?'" These strategies promote healthy relationships and build trust between individuals, which helps them feel secure in their interpersonal interactions.
Supportive colleagues play a vital role in promoting relational resilience and mental health. They provide validation, empathy, and positive communication, all of which lead to increased self-esteem, confidence, and emotional regulation. By creating a safe space for colleagues to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism, they create a culture of understanding and compassion that benefits everyone involved.
Cultivating strong relationships at work can have far-reaching effects on our overall well-being and quality of life.
In what ways do supportive colleagues contribute to relational resilience and mental health?
Supportive colleagues can contribute to relational resilience and mental health by providing social support, fostering a sense of belongingness, and promoting empathy. Social support from coworkers can reduce stress levels and improve wellbeing by decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness (Park et al. , 2014).