Reasons it’s important to get to know your mining-mates

September 5, 2017 Tara

The most common illnesses in the workplace are anxiety and depression, and this is even more prevalent in the mining industry. Not only can these mental health issues have an impact on the individual, they can affect the work site and workmates, too. Many people will go to great lengths to cover up a mental illness, and that is just one of the many reasons that it’s important to get to know the people you work with.

  • It Prevents Social Isolation

It isn’t just good for them, it’s good for you. Miners tend to work in rural areas, isolated from their friends and family. That means workmates are all they have to rely on. Building bonds with the people that you see regularly is a great way to build your mental health and avoid the social isolation that many miners experience.

 

  • It Boosts Your Mood

Social interaction releases oxytocin into your system, and this helps build bonds and trust with your workmates. Whether it’s a high five or a pat on the back, being social with your workmates will boost your mood. It also reduces cortisol levels, thus reducing your stress levels.

 

  • Improved Productivity

Having a good relationship with your workmates will also increase your productivity. Why is that of particular importance? When you’re more productive you feel accomplished which is a sure way to boost your confidence, thus your mood and levels of happiness. This, of course, can help stave off depression and reduce the likelihood of substance abuse taking hold.

These aren’t just people you work with, miners need trust to work with their colleagues. Moreover, they need additional interaction to make up for the lack of family time. It’s a challenging industry, and miners can reduce the difficulties by just spending time getting to know their workmates and building a family away from home.

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