The Power of Community
As I stood on the sidelines of a cycling race in Lorne last weekend, I couldn't help but marvel at the sense of community surrounding me. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels whizzed by, their colourful jerseys a blur of motion. But what struck me most wasn't the speed or the competition; it was the camaraderie.
I watched as a seasoned cyclist slowed down to help a newcomer with a flat tyre, potentially sacrificing their own race time. This simple act of kindness exemplified the spirit of the cycling community, reminding me of a study I'd read that athletes who feel a strong sense of community in their sport are 30% more likely to continue participating long term.
Next on my agenda for the weekend is another community I'm deeply involved with, my local Life Saving Club. Yesterday, I was responsible for supporting a committee to kick off our nippers session, coordinating over 300 families.
The challenge of managing such a large group might seem daunting, but the strong sense of community makes it not only manageable but enjoyable. Parents volunteer their weekends, experienced lifesavers pass on their knowledge, and children form lasting friendships. It's heartening to know that these young nippers are not only learning valuable skills but are also 25% more likely to volunteer as adults, according to research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
As I reflect on these different yet equally strong communities, I couldn't help but think about my recent experience in a co-working space. It's a new world for me, but one that's quickly becoming familiar, thanks to the bonds formed between members who either work for themselves or remotely for other organisations.
Just the other day, I witnessed a spontaneous collaboration between a graphic designer and a startup founder. Their chance meeting in the communal kitchen led to an exciting new project. It's moments like these that bring to life the Harvard Business Review study finding that people in co-working spaces report higher levels of thriving than those in traditional offices.
These experiences, from the cycling race to the nippers program to the co-working space, all underscore a crucial point for businesses: community matters.
It's not just about feel-good moments; it has tangible benefits. Companies with highly engaged workforces, often a result of strong community building, outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share, according to a Gallup poll.
As I sit here in my co-working space, typing out this newsletter, I'm more convinced than ever of the power of community. Whether it's cyclists supporting each other on a tough race, families coming together to teach water safety, or professionals collaborating in shared workspaces, community is the thread that binds us. It's what pushes us to achieve more, to stick with challenges, and to find fulfilment in what we do.
For businesses looking to drive growth and improve retention, the answer might just lie in fostering this sense of community. It's not always easy, and it requires genuine effort and commitment. But as I've seen time and time again, the results are worth it.