Relationships, relationships, relationships
Relationships are the key to a healthy and happy life. So says this Havard Gazette article on what makes people happy, which I first read in 2021 or thereabouts. It's worth reading again.
“Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, the study revealed. Those ties protect people from life's discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.”
Friendships at work
Similarly, this Time article suggests that close friendships are the key to happiness at work:
“What we find and what now many other studies find is that relationships matter a lot in the workplace. Gallup has done a lot of research that finds—and many other studies do as well—is that the question, 'Do you have a friend at work? Do you have someone you can talk to about your personal life?' is hugely important. Only 30% of people say they have a friend at work. And those people are so much more likely to be engaged in their jobs. They're so much better performers, they're less likely to leave the jobs they're in.
People often care about friendships, but also about mentors. Is anyone watching out for you? Is anyone trying to help you find your way as you go through?”
In my history of working, I don't remember being asked by management if I have a close friend at work. I don't think my happiness at work has ever mattered to anyone except me. We all need to do better to look after each other.
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