Workplace Happiness Isn’t Fluffy. It’s Strategy.
The Power of Social Connection: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever in Work and Life
Discover key insights from the closing panel at the World Happiness Summit (WOHASU®), where leaders in health and well-being shared how social connections drive workplace culture, community resilience, and physical health. Learn why human connection isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s essential for innovation, retention, and longevity.
3/25/20251 min read
The Power of Social Connection: Closing Out WOHASU® on a High Note
What a way to wrap up an unforgettable World Happiness Summit!
I had the privilege of moderating the final panel alongside brilliant voices in the space of well-being:
🔹 Dr. Garth Graham (Director and Global Head of Healthcare and Public Health at YouTube)
🔹 Dr. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, LMHC (expert in social influence and mental health)
🔹 Dr. Neha Sangwan, M.D. (physician and communication expert)
Together, we explored the power of social connection—and how it’s not only vital to our emotional lives, but also to our performance at work, our community well-being, and even our physical health.
I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous stepping into the very last panel of the summit. After days of high-energy sessions, would people still be fully engaged?
The answer was a resounding yes. The conversation was authentic, energizing, and deeply human—exactly what we needed to carry the message of WOHASU® into the world.
3 Key Takeaways About Social Connection and Well-being:
1. In the Workplace
Strong social bonds at work foster innovation, reduce turnover, and boost engagement. When employees feel they belong, performance follows.
2. In Our Communities
Social ties build mental resilience. In fact, loneliness has the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—yet fostering genuine connection can reverse that.
3. For Our Physical Health
People with meaningful relationships live longer, manage stress better, and recover faster. Connection is not soft—it's science.
A Personal Note
I'm walking away from WOHASU® with new ideas, renewed energy, and a deeper sense of purpose. This final session was a beautiful reminder that our well-being is woven through our relationships—with coworkers, friends, family, and community.
✨ Keep the Conversation Going
💬 How are you intentionally building social connection this year?
📩 Want support building a culture of belonging at your company? Let’s talk about how I help organizations center well-being, equity, and connection.
👉 Work with me on building high-performing, inclusive cultures
👉 Learn more about the SPARKLE framework for social impact strategy
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