Importance of work colleagues' support for health

Work not only provides us with a livelihood, but also has a significant impact on our health. We spend most of our time at the workplace, so it is important to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere there. Lack of peer support at work can lead to negative consequences for our health, both physical and mental. In this article, we will look at how a lack of support affects our well-being and how we can counteract it.

Stress and social support

One of the main reasons why a lack of peer support at work has a negative impact on our health is the increase in stress levels. Work can be a major source of stress, and having solid support from colleagues can help us cope with that stress. The inability to share problems, lack of emotional support and feelings of loneliness at work can lead to chronic stress, which can have serious consequences for physical and mental health.

Research shows that strong social support can lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. That's why it's so important that we strive to build good relationships and provide support to our colleagues at work.

Negative consequences of lack of support

Lack of support from work colleagues can lead to various negative consequences for our health. People who do not feel supported in the workplace are more likely to experience stress symptoms such as insomnia, muscle tension, headaches and digestive problems.

In addition, lack of support can increase the risk of depression and other mental disorders. Constant feelings of loneliness and lack of understanding can lead to feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in one's work life. People who lack support are also more likely to suffer from job burnout, which can lead to emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation and a decline in job performance.

How to ensure support at work?

In the absence of peer support at work, it's worth taking certain steps that can help us improve our well-being and health. Here are some practical tips:

1. Build relationships: Try to make contact with other people at work. Spending time together on a break or talking over coffee can help you build relationships and provide more support.

2. Express your needs: If you feel a lack of support, openly talk to your supervisor or HR staff about your expectations. Expressing your needs and expectations can help create a better work atmosphere.

3. Provide support to others: Start providing support to your colleagues yourself. You can offer to help solve problems, listen to them and give valuable advice. Creating an atmosphere of mutual support can benefit everyone employed at the company.

4. Use other sources of support: If the lack of support at work is deeply rooted, it is worth looking around for other sources of support. This could include attending a self-help group, consulting a therapist, or talking to friends and family.

5. Take care of your health: Stress from lack of support can negatively affect our health. That's why it's important that we regularly take care of our body and mind. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet and enough sleep can help us reduce the symptoms of stress.

Summary

Lack of support from colleagues at work has a significant impact on our health. Increased stress levels, risk of depression and problems with work performance are just some of the negative effects of lack of support. However, remember that we have an impact on our environment and can act to improve the work atmosphere. Building relationships, expressing our needs and tapping into other sources of support are just a few of the actions we can take to ensure we are supported in the workplace.