Close to 40 participants tuned into this enlightening webinar. Presented by Jim Ross from the Widening the Circle project and Rick Hawes from Berkshire County Arc, the event explored the meaning and value of friendships for the individuals we serve.
Jim and Rick have been involved in the "Widening the Circle" project since 2012. They shared some powerful stories, and offered practical strategies for employment staff to facilitate building relationships in the workplace. This information has been compiled into a comprehensive publication, the
Building Friendships At Work Toolkit.
Here are some highlights from the presentation:
- Friendship is mutually rewarding, reciprocal, and freely given (unpaid).
- People with friends are happier, healthier, and safer.
- Effective person-centered planning and job analysis fosters a good job match, which enhances the potential for quality relationships.
- Developing natural supports in the workplace is key.
- It's important to help new workers engage in workplace culture: social rituals, gathering spots, company events, committees, celebrations, etc.
- The best friendships are ones that go beyond the workplace. Those friendships require support in coordinating amongst work, residential, families, etc.
View the archive of this webinar at:
Download the toolkit at:
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