"Vital Friends" in the Virtual Workplace Increase Workplace Engagement, Productivity, Employee Satisfaction and Everyone's Success

In 2006, Gallup Organization researcher Tom Rath published, "Vital Friends: The People You Can't Afford to Live Without" a book that explores the positive difference it makes in people's professional lives to have "best friends" at work. Positive Workplace experts Jocelyn S. Davis and Amanda C.E. Levy have discovered that his findings contribute to virtual groups as well, and believe they have enormous application in a competitive global economy.

Arlington, VA and Morriston, ON (PRWEB) June 26, 2007 -- When Positive Workplace experts Jocelyn S. Davis and Amanda C.E. Levy launched their virtual 'Positive Workplace' study group in 2004, their goals were straightforward: They had invited 15 people well-versed in positive psychology in the workplace to meet twice a month by phone to discuss the latest positive psychology research, put it into action by developing and testing applications in the workplace, and then share their experiences.

Over time, something unexpected occurred: Each member's workplace engagement, creativity, productivity, satisfaction and success have grown measurably.

Today, Davis and Levy report that the positive effects of the group's virtual relationship affirm and expand Gallup Organization researcher Tom Rath's findings about workplace friendships as published in his book, "Vital Friends: The People You Can't Afford to Live Without" (Gallup Press; August 2006). The premise of his book: Workplace friendships have enormous value, impacting both personal and professional attitudes, employee engagement and performance.

According to Davis and Levy, their group's experience shows that workplace friendships also have enormous value in the virtual work environment. Levy says, "The members of our group, all now virtual Vital Friends, are experiencing increased workplace happiness, stronger resilience in the face of challenges and a growing competitive advantage in their fields. We all firmly believe we could never have reached this point without the collective feedback, mastermind guidance and energy of each member of our group."

The Impact of Virtual Vital Friendships

Davis says the group has taken on a life of its own. She explains, "The synergies, applications, strong collegiality, incredibly good critical thinking and overall harmony of the group have made us a collective powerhouse. In turn, the loyal support of the group has enabled each member to thrive."
   
Jenny Fox Eades of Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK, will attest to that. Eades is a freelance writer and education consultant who specializes in applying Positive Psychology in schools. She attributes the successful development and launch of a recent major educational project to her relationship with her Virtual Vital Friends.

"As a freelancer working alone, I appreciate immensely the collegiality, encouragement and inspiration that the Founders Group has provided me - and to think it's all been over a phone line!" says Eades. "Members offer invaluable insights from an array of disciplines that extend my own thinking and they keep me in touch with developments in the world of Positive Psychology. I enjoy the combination of professional development, practical support and immense fun."

Amanda Horne of Canberra, Australia has had a similar experience. A consultant in positive workplace coaching, advisory and facilitation services, she says, "This group gives me the courage and support to bring Positive Psychology to the workplace. Our meetings are regular boosters to continue on this path, and are a constant source of motivation and creativity."

Members who work for large corporations are also experiencing positive results. Thomas W. Weirich, Ph.D., a resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Vice President of Investments at Wachovia Securities, reports that the group has been particularly helpful in supporting him in his mission to integrate Positive Psychology into the world of money.

Weirich explains, "My quest is somewhat unique in my industry; I can't just stroll into the office next door to work through positive workplace ideas and challenges. This group has become my virtual positive workplace and, because of this group, I've expanded the horizon of my vision and the reach of my efforts."

With the group's support Weirich has begun writing a book, tapped into different aspects of technology and media to get his message out, and has made connections at a reach and depth that he says he had not dreamed was possible.

The Future of Vital Friendships in a Global Marketplace

Davis and Levy are further exploring the concepts of Vital Friendships in combination with their own positive workplace learnings. Says Davis, "People have not been taught how to exist in a virtual environment, never mind to establish and nurture Virtual Friendships. We want to learn more about how to set up Virtual Friendships."

At the same time, they continue to grow their group of Virtual Vital Friends, fostering each member's "limitless potential." As Levy puts it, "Amongst ourselves, we have virtually created the positive, strengths-building workplace we'd been so passionately exploring".

For a free special report on the key characteristics of Virtual Vital Friends, visit www.positiveworkplace.com and request your copy of 'Bolster Business Performance and Life Satisfaction with Virtual Vital Friends' which includes an assessment for your network of Vital Friends.

For more information about the Positive Workplace Alliance, call (US) 703-534-4901 or (Canada) 519-766-1178, e-mail, or visit www.positiveworkplace.com.

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