I’ve recently picked up The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger, M.D. and Marc Schulz Ph.D. The book offers insights into Harvard findings in over eighty years of data. Waldinger and Schulz reveal the resounding truth that relationships are the key to a happy life. Relationships are proven to impact our immune system, stress, depression, cardiovascular disease, longevity, and overall physical and mental health.

This book has caused me to think about relationships beyond our inner circle. In my burnout research it became evident that community, specifically coworkers and leaders, have a profound impact on our wellbeing at work. They can impact our engagement and motivation, thus impacting our performance. They can elevate us or tear us down. They can offer support or leave us stranded.

This past weekend I was honored to join an author panel at a women’s empowerment conference. I spoke about the importance of...