Combatting Loneliness and Social Isolation in State Government
Speaker: Janet Kelly
Organization: Envoy
Date: May 17, 2024
Description
In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared the state of loneliness and social isolation in America as an epidemic. In his words, “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders."
In this NASCA session, Janet Kelly, former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, builds the case for understanding the problem at the highest levels of state government, recognizing the behaviors exhibited by employees, and sharing critical tools to support employees and build connections with state government agencies and departments.
Janet covers tools for helping employees build friendships, share concerns about mental health, build relationships across social/political boundaries, work through conflict and disagreement within teams, and maintain connection as coworkers.
This session was a part of the 2024 NASCA Leadership Conference in Kiawah, South Carolina.
For more information, please contact Vera Gillespie at vera@envoyportfolio.com.
Click here to access The Social Connection initiative’s Website.
