The importance of relationships on happiness: Insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development

Keywords: relationships, happiness, stress management, resilience, mentoring, mental health

Author: Lisa Munro
Date: 3 June 2024, Worklife Digital

In a world increasingly dominated by social media and the pursuit of individual achievement, the Harvard Study of Adult Development* offers profound insights into what truly contributes to a fulfilling life. Directed by Robert Waldinger, this 85-year longitudinal study has tracked thousands of individuals to understand the key factors that influence happiness and longevity. The study's findings reveal a crucial element: good relationships. These insights not only illuminate personal well-being but also suggest strategic ways businesses can invest in their employees' happiness and productivity.

Understanding the Harvard Study of Adult Development

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest study of human life ever conducted. Spanning 85 years and encompassing three generations—grandparents, parents, and children—it has followed over 2,000 people. This extensive research highlights a fundamental truth: those who are happiest, healthiest, and live the longest are the ones who maintain warm, meaningful connections with others. Good relationships are the strongest predictors of a happy and healthy life as people grow older.

The role of relationships in well-being

The clearest revelation from the study is that meaningful relationships play a pivotal role in our overall well-being. Those with strong social connections tend to manage stress better, leading to lower levels of circulating stress hormones and inflammation. In contrast, loneliness acts as a significant stressor, keeping the body in a prolonged fight-or-flight state, which can deteriorate various body systems over time. Think about it – if you have something upsetting or stressful occur during your day, having someone to vent to or discuss it with can literally help your body to calm down. This understanding underscores the importance of fostering relationships to mitigate stress and promote health.

Practical steps to develop ‘Social Fitness'

Given the critical role of relationships, even individuals who find it difficult can take several steps to strengthen their social bonds:

Assess your social world: Reflect on your current relationships. Identify what each relationship offers—whether it’s fun, support, or practical help—and consider areas where you might need more connection.
Rekindle old connections: Reach out to friends or family members you haven’t spoken to in a while. A simple message can reignite relationships and bring positive responses. Take out your phone, send them a text or an email, and say, “I was thinking of you, just wanted to say hello.” It’ll take you 15 seconds, and if you do that, you will be amazed at what comes back. Not every time, but if you did one of those every day, you would get some positive responses, including requests to have coffee or dinner.
Engage in social activities: Participate in activities you enjoy. Whether it's joining a gym or club, volunteering, or engaging in community events, shared interests can naturally lead to deeper connections. The research shows us that when we do something we enjoy or something we care about alongside other people, we’re likely to strike up conversations. If we see those people again, we’re likely to strike up deeper conversations.
Be of service: Volunteering or offering your skills to help others not only benefits those in need but also fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation, creating new social ties.

How businesses can invest in employee well-being

Recognising the profound impact of relationships on well-being, businesses can take strategic actions to foster a supportive and connected work environment:

Promote work-life balance: Encourage employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Avoiding workaholism helps employees cultivate meaningful relationships outside of work, which can enhance their overall happiness and productivity.
Create opportunities for social interaction: Facilitate team-building activities, social events, and collaborative projects that allow employees to form personal connections with their colleagues.
Support mental health initiatives: Offer resources and programs that address loneliness and stress. This could include mentoring or coaching, stress management workshops, and peer support groups.
Foster a culture of appreciation: Recognise and celebrate employees' achievements and milestones. Feeling valued at work can strengthen bonds among employees and enhance their sense of belonging.
Encourage volunteerism: Provide opportunities for employees to engage in volunteer work, either individually or as a team. This not only benefits the community but also helps employees build meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose.

The unavoidable challenges and the power of resilience

It's essential to acknowledge that nobody is happy all the time. Life is full of difficulties and challenges. However, the Harvard Study of Adult Development teaches us that resilience often comes from our social connections. Even in the face of adversity, having a network of supportive relationships can provide the strength to navigate life's twists and turns.

For those who feel it’s too late to improve their social lives, the study offers hope. Whether you're in your 20s or your 80s, it's never too late to form new connections and find fulfilment. By prioritising relationships, both individuals and businesses can create environments where happiness and well-being flourish.

WorkLife Digital is a global mental-wellbeing consultancy driven by the mission to improve the sustainability of businesses. Our psychological wellbeing tool, Worklife Quotient (WL-Q), is modelled on cutting-edge scientific research and provides organisation-wide measurement and intelligence on the mental wellbeing levels and psychological resilience of staff. WL-Q also assesses the impact of organisational practices (i.e. people and culture, leadership styles, organisational purpose and values, social impact) that have a direct influence on staff wellbeing and provides strategic recommendations on addressing risks and promoting strengths.

For more information, get in touch at lisa@worklife.digital

REFERENCES

* www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/