Why Now, More Than Ever, Going the Extra Mile to Help Each Other Out is Essential
In the midst of environmental disasters, economic instability, post-pandemic uncertainty and social and political upheaval, it’s easy to feel helpless and isolated. It’s also easy to forget the power that we have to help each other out, even in small ways. Yet, now more than ever, it’s important to make that extra effort to support each other. Not only does it strengthen our communities, but it also has significant benefits for our mental health and overall well-being.
The last few years have been challenging for people around the world. In such uncertain times, it’s easy to feel like we’re on our own. However, research shows that being part of a supportive community is more important than ever.
Mass tech layoffs
We’ve recently seen a flurry of companies cutting staff as part of these mass layoffs in the tech sector. According to Stanford Graduate School of Business Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, layoffs create a devasting toll on behavioural and physical health on those affected. His research shows that layoffs are the results of imitative behaviour and not actually evidence-based.
Layoffs can have a devastating impact on employees. Losing one's job can cause financial stress, emotional turmoil, and even physical health problems. In addition to the financial loss, the sense of security and stability that a job provides is also gone, leaving employees with feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability.
Layoffs can also have a significant impact on an employee's sense of identity and self-worth. Many people derive a sense of purpose and fulfillment from their work. When that work is suddenly taken away, it can leave employees feeling lost and unsure of their place in the world. This can lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem.
According to layoffs.fyi, there were a total of 84,414 tech employees who were impacted by layoffs in January 2023 alone.
Importance of community
Research has consistently shown that having a strong sense of community is linked to better mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that individuals who reported higher levels of social support had lower levels of depressive symptoms and were less likely to experience chronic stress. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that individuals who were part of a community organisation reported higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction than those who were not.
Being part of a community also provides a sense of belonging and purpose, which is especially important during times of crisis. Research has shown that individuals who feel like they belong to a group are more resilient in the face of adversity. They are also more likely to engage in pro-social behaviors, such as volunteering or helping others.
In addition to the benefits for individuals, communities can also have a positive impact on society as a whole. Research has shown that strong communities are associated with lower rates of crime, better health outcomes, and increased civic engagement. Being part of a community can provide individuals with a sense of responsibility and ownership in their community, which can lead to positive social change.
So, what can we do to cultivate a sense of community in our lives? One way is to seek out opportunities to connect with others. This can be through volunteering, joining a club, or organisation, or attending community events, or participating in sport. It's also important to make an effort to be present and engaged with others, whether it's through listening actively, showing empathy, or being available when someone needs support.
Helping out as a startup founder or as an established business owner
In today's world, business leaders are facing increasing pressure to be competitive and succeed. However, competition does not have to be a zero-sum game. There are many ways that businesses can help each other out to achieve their goals while still maintaining healthy competition.
One of the most effective ways businesses can help each other out is through networking. Provide a platform for networking with other businesses in your industry, you can help connect partners, vendors, or even customers togethers. Hold community events and engage in social media to expand your network and connect with other businesses.
Another way to help out fellow businesses is by sharing your expertise. You may have unique insights or specialised knowledge that can benefit other businesses. You can do this by offering advice, writing blog posts or articles, or even speaking at events.
Collaboration is another way that businesses can help each other out. If you have complementary skills or products, consider partnering with another business to offer a joint service or product. This can increase your reach, and both businesses can benefit from the partnership.
Mentorship is another powerful way to help out fellow businesses. If you are a VC, experienced founder or business owner, consider mentoring someone who is just starting out. You can offer guidance, share your experiences, and provide advice on how to avoid common pitfalls. This can be an incredibly valuable way to help others and pay it forward.
Connection is an important way that businesses can help each other out. Introduce important contacts to each other that can lead to opportunities. You will be surprised with how this can positively impact a founder or business owner.
Go the extra mile
So, what can we do to make that extra effort to help each other out right now? Here are some tips:
Check in on your friends and family. A simple phone call (we don’t call each other enough) or message can go a long way in making someone feel supported and cared for. Sending a meme might be all that is needed to establish contact with that person again.
Volunteer your time or resources. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank or offering to run errands for someone who is high-risk, there are many ways to give back to your community.
Join a community organisation. Whether it’s a neighborhood association, a sporting team, a sub-reddit, a DAO, or an NFT community, being part of a positive and mindful group can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
Be kind to others. Small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone or smiling at a stranger, can make a big difference in someone’s day.
Practice self-care. It’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, so that you can be in a better position to help others.
Support a friend’s venture. Buy one of their products, use their service, introduce contacts that may benefit from their products or services, and provide expertise on how they can grow their business.
Donate to important causes. The earthquake in Turkey has affected thousands of people, you can help UNICEF with their efforts on the ground by donating directly with them. New Zealand has been recently affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle, you can help the New Zealand Red Cross with your donation here.
The last few years have been hard on everyone around us, but we have the power to support each other through it all. Being part of a community is more important than ever for our mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. By making that extra effort to help each other out, we can strengthen our communities and help each other through these challenging times.