Benefits of talking

Talking is vital for our wellbeing; it give us a sense of belonging, and helps us to feel happier and healthier. It can provide us with support and allows us to give support to others.

People who feel more connected to others have better physical and mental health, and may even live longer.

Social connections also make life more interesting, helping us to appreciate the perspectives and experiences of others. Having strong social bonds and talking at work makes work more enjoyable, fosters inclusivity and can boost engagement and performance.

This Wellbeing Week we are raising awareness of the benefits of talking to others by encouraging you to build on existing connections and make new ones.

Why talking matters

Benefits of talking:

Reduce anxiety and stress

Improve relationships by making everyone feel heard

Make others aware of our needs

Develop self-assurance in ourselves and our interactions

Learn about other people's needs so that we can respond more effectively

Learn to compromise while staying loyal to ourselves

Solve problems faster becuase everyone is on the same page

Laugh more together now that we're closer and more optimistic about one another

Resources

Resource

5 Ways to Wellbeing

Building Relationships and Maintaining Connections

Ideas for Building Work Relationships

Videos

5 Ways to Wellbeing

5 Ways to Wellbeing - Connect

If you require further support, please visit wearemenzies.com/wellbeing or speak to your line manager or your HR representative.

Top Tip!

Before starting a conversation, plan what you want to talk about. Having a topic helps to stop conversations drifting aimlessly and ending up with awkward silences while you think of what to say next.

Top Tip!

Does your conversation topic fit the situation, or the person you are talking to? You wouldn’t ask a new friend at a party for a job promotion, but the same conversation would be appropriate with your boss at work.

Top Tip!

The right conversation needs to have the right timing. For example, a formal meeting with colleagues wouldn’t be an appropriate time for a very personal conversation, and you wouldn’t ask your boss for a new job while in a lift full of people.

Top Tip!

Ask questions. If you struggle with conversations then asking more questions than answering can be very helpful. Just make sure that you listen to the answers so that you can ask appropriate follow-up questions. Stay on topic and be interested!

Top Tip!

When you meet someone new, stick with topics that they are unlikely to have a personal connection to, like the weather, food or movies. When you know someone better, you could add in subjects that people can feel strongly about, like politics, romance or the news. Save personal topics like family or health for close friends and family.

Top Tip!

Complaining and gossiping aren’t helpful when we meet new people as they put a negative spin on the conversation. If asked a question, you do not need to lie, just try to demonstrate a good attitude. Being positive makes you more approachable and fun to have a conversation with.

Top Tip!

End your stories with a question, like “What do you think?” Conversations are like a game of catch, and this is you throwing the conversation back to keep it going.

Top Tip!

Have more conversations. Like any other skill, the more we practice having conversations, the better we get at having them. So, start today, and CONNECT with your Menzies Aviation colleagues!