While technology is booming at a rapid pace, it can never replace emotional warmth exchanged between two individuals. At the end of the day, whether happy or unhappy, human presence is what we carve. Hug from a friend or loved one, a reassuring hand on the shoulder from a colleague or senior, or a smile from a family member over a video call can make us forget the stressful day. Technology has made connecting with people and loved ones feasible, but we have sometimes misused it and allowed it to replace human interaction itself.
What exactly is a genuine connection?
A genuine connection is not only about having meals together or sharing watch duty. it is about:
- Feeling respected and valued.
- Being able to speak honestly without fear of being judged.
- Feeling psychologically safe.
- Trusting that your vulnerability won’t be used against you.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the need of belongingness comes right after basic survival needs. Even at sea, where survival and safety are primary concerns, emotional connection remains a core psychological requirement. When this need is not met, it may lead to withdrawal, irritability, conflicts, low morale, and reduced performance. Happier and healthier people contribute to happier work environment, leading to better results in terms of shipboard operations and overall well-being.
What causes challenges to make friends at workplace?
- 1. Emotional Guarding: Emotional vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, as this profession demands one to be resilient and unbreakable.
- 2. Fear of being judged: With limited privacy, many avoid opening-up because they worry about gossip, misinterpretation, using the information against them.
- 3. Fear of getting attached: Even when a genuine connection forms, some fear its temporary and worry about maintaining the friendship post contract.
- 4. Past experiences: Previous negative experiences may create reluctance to trust or form new bonds.
How to strengthen bonds?
Old school method: Sit face to face and talk, even if it difficult. Space and privacy are necessary, but that should not eliminate social interaction. Even if we are around people we dislike, learning to co-exist and being respectful of difference is a basic social skill.
Foster culture of transparency: In leadership roles, not everything can be shared for various obvious reasons, but whatever can be communicated should be shared openly. Conversations cannot be truly two-way if approached with fixed assumptions or rigid views.
Enhance well-being: Well-being is not only physical or mental; it includes heart, soul, mind, and spirit. Happiness and nurturing environment are significant contributors for overall well-being.
Introversion and extraversion are personality attributes; they are not determining factors of quality of conversation or effective communication skills. Many introverts are impactful during social interaction in smaller or larger groups, similarly many extroverts lack effectiveness in one-on-one interaction. Build up effective and impactful communication skills as the situation demands.
Why onboard friendship matter?
Social support is one of the strongest supports against occupational stress. It can:
- Reduce stress levels
- Improve sleep quality
- Lower interpersonal conflicts
- Enhance teamwork and safety
- Protect mental health
Ships operate on teamwork, but humans operate on connection. Invest in relationships onboard. They are not distractions from work. they are psychological anchors in the middle of the ocean.
