Community Connections
Designed using the best evidence, find practical information and tips to help you implement strategies that create a stronger workplace health culture and position your organization as an employer of choice.
For best results implement multiple actions. Check out our comprehensive Community Connections strategy kit.
Why Invest in Healthy Community Connections?
Healthy community connections aim to contribute to the long-term economic, social and environmental well-being of the community. Workplaces that invest in healthy community connections can improve employee morale, engagement and job satisfaction while also reducing negative mental health outcomes such as stress, burnout, anxiety and depression.
Healthy Community Connection strategies such as volunteering in the community, allow employees to express their personal interests and passions beyond what they do in their day-to-day job. It also helps to grow and improve social connections which can increase sense of belonging and meaning found in work.
International studies across industries and organizations showed that high employee engagement increased productivity by 18%, customer loyalty by 12%, quality by 60% and profitability by 16%15. Workplaces known to be socially responsible also attract and keep employees. Research shows people want to work for companies that give back to the community and where workplace cultural values and actions align with their own14. In fact, more than half of the workforce will not accept a job from an organization that does not have strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. Many will also choose to work for a more socially responsible employer, even if it means accepting lower wages.
Healthy community connections can help workplaces have positive impacts that extend far beyond the worksite. When workplaces collaborate with communities to create environments that promote and support health and well-being, (e.g., actions to enhance safety, literacy, cleanliness, and access to affordable nutritious food, childcare, housing, public parks etc.) it is a win-win. The health of the community is enhanced, and the workplace also realizes benefits.
