The Emerging Science about the Importance of Community in the Workplace
We can no longer ignore the importance of belonging, of having close and cohesive relationships in the workplace. The emerging science makes this clear.
- Belonging is a core human need
(Abraham Maslow) - Lack of community is a driver of burnout
(Christina Maslach) - Psychological safety predicts team effectiveness
(Amy Edmondson) - Social isolation impacts physical health and mortality
(Julianne Holt-Lunstad)
While we know community building in any workplace is more than just a “soft” initiative, community building in the first responder world is protective, preventative infrastructure.
Community Building is a Pre-Crisis Approach
The LIFELINES community building program focuses on personal relationships – not work-related ones. When we come to work we do not leave our personal selves at home, much as we might like to believe we do. It is the personal self who suffers from the pressures of the job.
But why a pre-crisis support program when most organizations have professionals available; Psychologists/Chaplains, Peer Support, EAP, and more? Because the issues that lead to serious problems typically start small, and most proud, tough first responders are not likely to seek professional support for what they consider a small issue.
Yet, members of a community feel comfortable sharing small issues with their peers, which diffuses the issues while still at the pre-crisis level. Our program data also shows that the relationships forged in community building make stoic members more willing to seek out professional support when needed, because they know they are not alone.
LIFELINES Wherever You Look
Support for the heroic people who are there for us when we need them most should be ubiquitous. Wherever they look, there they should see a lifeline.
“The ten-hour course took a group of people from strangers to peers through finely orchestrated breakout sessions. I recommend this course to anyone building a new team and for all supervisors and officers.” Rae Oliveira, NRP, RN, MSN, Division Chief – Training Department of Emergency Services, Maryland
LIFELINES™ Pre-Crisis Support for First Responders
Building these these lifelines is what the program is all about. Participants leave the program with the tools, knowledge and experience to build a pre-crisis network in their organizations.
“Lori Gosselin’s First Responders Community Building Program … is more than training—it’s a path to stronger, healthier communities.” James Campbell, Chief, Phillipsburg Emergency Squad, New Jersey
Photo by Richard Goff on Unsplash