International Day of Friendship: seven steps to help you connect

To mark the International Day of Friendship this Saturday 20 July, we’ve compiled seven simple strategies to help nurture your relationships and create new connections.

However busy we are, humans are hard-wired to connect, and in these times of hybrid work and greater reliance on technology, we can only thrive when we cultivate our relationships and our sense of belonging.

Which of these tips will you try?

If you notice a colleague is struggling, say “How can I support you?”

Even a small gesture can make a big impact and show you care.

During the day, make a personal connection with someone you might normally pass by or take for granted.

Engaging with others in small ways can connect you both to the moment and help you feel more alive.

Start your next conversation with a question about the other person.

Approach them with genuine curiosity. What might you learn?

When someone shares their feelings with you, respond by rephrasing what you’ve heard.

This active listening technique not only confirms your understanding but acknowledges their experience.

Turn one email exchange each day into a phone call or face-to-face conversation.

When you interact with colleagues beyond just your inbox, you’ll collaborate more effectively and creatively.

Before your next conversation with someone on your team, take a few minutes to imagine what they might be feeling.

Consciously considering their circumstances, emotions or fears will help you be more prepared to support them and address their needs.

Swap “How are you?” for a deeper question.

Learn more about someone’s experiences with a question like “How is what’s on your mind affecting your day-to-day right now?”

Find out more about the wellbeing solutions Thrive Global APAC can offer your organisation.