Are you experiencing "regrettable turnover" or creating a "sticky" workplace where people thrive? PLUS top tips to tackle loneliness.

Welcome to the latest edition of "Thank God It’s Monday!" the newsletter designed to get you moving from awareness to action on all things mental fitness & wellbeing.

Money isn’t enough to buy loyalty. A big paycheque might mean you kick the can down the road for a little while longer, but ultimately we need to feel connected, valued, inspired and cared for at work. The biggest threat to attracting and retaining talent is a culture that permits “bad bosses” and doesn't prioritise wellbeing.

Sticking around?

It started with the "Great Resignation". Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index – a survey covering more than 30,000 people in 31 countries – showed that over two-fifths of people were?considering leaving their employer in the next year. Then came the "Great Reshuffle", where differing values drive job-related decisions, with flexibility, career development and wellbeing topping the list of career must-haves. The World Economic Forum reported last year that lack of career development, inadequate pay, and uncaring bosses are the biggest reasons people leave their jobs.?

Feeling that work is meaningful and experiencing flexibility in how and when we work are key drivers to wellbeing. If, however, this is lacking, and there is little support for health and wellbeing, people will not stick around.?

We live in a world of blurred boundaries and digital overload. We’re driven by different values than we were three years ago, and often our work structures demand an outdated approach, one that doesn’t support us holistically.?

The past few years have amplified the need to think differently about how we can keep people engaged, happy and loyal. McKinsey reports that a “non-traditional” value proposition must be built, revolving around flexibility, mental wellbeing and behavioural health benefits and a strong and meaningful company culture to make jobs “sticky”. This is critical for company culture. I left a job 10 years ago as my values were not aligned with my job or the culture where I was working. It took a massive toll on my wellbeing, and a lack of care, inspiration and limited career progression contributed to my decision to leave.

Bad boss?

A bad boss can be hugely influential in the decision to leave. A good boss, like a good teacher, sticks with you for life. The most effective managers are the ones who operate authentically with a sprinkle of vulnerability. Being open about their feelings and sharing their strategies to navigate challenges is very effective role modelling. By creating a culture of permission, people can be more honest and communicate how they are feeling about the work they are doing. Enter the opportunity for real connection beyond the deliverables.

Creating a level of trust via regular non-wok conversation deepens the relationship. There is a strong link between how we feel and the quality of the work we do, so why leave feelings out of the conversation?

Flexibility doesn't, however, come without a cost. Many of us work from home more frequently than ever, meaning less in-person human connection. Virtual meetings and get-togethers can go some way to helping us keep in touch, but a lack of physical presence can really impact how we feel and, therefore, how able we are to show up in life as our best selves.

Feeling lonely?

One of the single most important drivers of our wellbieng is human connection. For many, it's now something we must consciously dedicate time and effort to making happen. In particular, for those working remotely most of the time and especially those who live alone, feelings of loneliness and isolation can arise. How lonely we feel is a big indicator of our mental wellbeing.

Before Coronavirus forced separation upon us, loneliness at work was already at worryingly high levels. More than half of employees say they feel lonely "always" or "often" with almost half saying they don’t have a friend at work (Gallup).

Social connection is what we are made for, and casual conversations provide an opportunity to unwind, laugh, learn and connect with others. I can speak from personal experience that loneliness is one of the biggest issues I face in running fifty50. First up, it’s a lonely journey running a start-up. So much time in my head, so many hats to wear, and such a burning need to keep going often leads me to neglect my personal needs. I can easily slip into a routine of not speaking to people in person and feeling disconnected, and I’ve often felt lonely.

Connection and being with people are the biggest influence on how we feel; it impacts our mood, energy, motivation and how we see the world.

I’ve made conscious and continuous efforts to engage people, try new things, and join different communities. It’s given me purpose, some amazing new friends and an opportunity to laugh and connect.?Here’s what’s really working for me:

• I’ll FaceTime my mum whilst I make some lunch & have a quick chat.
• I pop to my favourite cafe for creative tasks without my laptop to give my mind a break & talk to the owners.
• When I'm in London for work, I’ll catch up with friends working nearby.
• I take the lead in arranging weekends away, coffee meets & nights out.
• I initiate playdates for my son; some mums have now become great friends.
• I’m a member of an amazing gym with a big community vibe. I get to talk to people and work out; it’s the best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time.
• I call or FaceTime my sister for a chat in the evening/weekend.
• I’ve entered a Hyrox race, and by attending workshops, I'm meeting new people.?

How to tackle loneliness

If you’re craving connection and need to deepen your sense of belonging, it can be a good idea to journal on some of the key barriers you face. Some prompts you could use are:

• What does good connection truly mean for you?
• How would you define the social connection you’re looking for?
• To help you find your tribe, your people, what passion or interest do you have that’s bigger than yourself?
• How can you normalise spending time with your friends and loved ones?
• If you could re-envision your sense of belonging, what would it look like?

When looking to tackle isolation, at fifty50, we recommend:?

1. Build your self-connection first.? Invest time in finding out more about yourself and start by taking the 16 personalities test.
2. Set a small goal to be social in any way, every day of the week. Avoid the “work, eat, watch TV, sleep” cycle, and bring variety to your day.
3. Create a social wellbeing action plan and note down the following:

• Three things you currently do for your wellbeing
• Three things you could do for your wellbieng
• One wildcard social wellbeing activity

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." - Dale Carnegie

fifty50 MindCoach LIVE

Over 700 people are now signed up for?fifty50 MindCoach LIVE, supporting companies including Triple Point, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP and Guinness Global Investors. Our package of employee wellbeing support is preventative and proactive, helping people to navigate some of the biggest challenges impacting workplace wellbeing.?You can take a look at our employee portal here, and we're excited to kick things off tomorrow.?

Today we've announced a partnership with The Learning & Performance Institute (The LPI), and members receive 20% off the annual subscription cost.

We start on the 31st January at 1pm GMT for a session on navigating loneliness in a hybrid working world, so please get in touch to find out more. You can join at any time during the year for a flat fee of ￡125 + VAT per company.