The New Happy Hour: Literature as a Vehicle for Social Wellness

The research is clear: social connection is a critical element of workplace well-being. But only 5% of employees strongly agree that their organization nurtures personal relationships. Finding ways to connect can be difficult when you’re stuck in a cubicle or limited to small talk at the occasional happy hour. This session proposes a different approach. When employees of varied ranks, roles and backgrounds meet regularly to discuss narrative literature – facilitated by college professors – they share life experiences, explore diverse perspectives, shed familiar paradigms and develop authentic connections. Backed by program data and the most current multidisciplinary scholarship, this novel approach builds mutual positive regard, trust and a sense of belonging. It’s time for workplaces to embrace new and creative ways to engage their employees’ social muscles – and to nurture community wellness at every level.