“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Millions of people are drawn to the television show, Survivor. In the US, the ABC show originated in 2000 and has thrived for 46 seasons. What viewers say captures their attention is the perceived realism, social dynamics/conflicts, isolation, and diversity of contestants, as well as the physical, mental and emotional challenges they face. To survive the daunting natural and unnatural challenges, players usually form alliances. And when the alliances or connections fail, so do many contestants.
One popular contestant, for example, who had survived grizzly bears, freezing cold, injury and hunger, expressed that he entered the contest knowing that to succeed he had to forget about home and his family. Yet, after a betrayal in the wilderness, loneliness set in. He forfeited his likelihood of winning a million dollars to return to his wife, son and daughter.
Similarly, without trust and strong bonds at work, employees find that they can’t survive the corporate wilderness. In fact, according to the US Surgeon General 2023 advisory on the importance of social connection, employers bear the burden of $154 billion annually due to stress-related absenteeism attributed to loneliness. They found that half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness and isolation across all demographics, regardless of age, gender or income. And like the Survivor contestant, disconnected employees who lack a sense of belonging, separate from organizations to find community and psychological safety in other places. Companies who build cultures of supportive and inclusive relationships have increased job satisfaction, creativity, competence, job performance and retention.
What “survival skills” are needed to build these cultures? Download our checklist (How to Create a Culture of Belonging) for 20 suggestions.
Consider Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.”
Innolect focuses on building culture of inclusion and belonging. Ask us about how we can help overcome the risks of loneliness by integrating our Listening Architecture™ and Belonging Ecosystem™ strategies. For more information, contact us today.