Radical wellbeing strengthens the community

By Merita Petäjä, psychologist and project manager of the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing 2021-2024

The essence of radical wellbeing lies in the fact that we do not pursue wellbeing solely for our own benefit. This sense of belonging forms the foundation of communal wellbeing. By redirecting our energy towards collective good, we steer our actions from ego to eco, from egocentric goals to ecological and global objectives. The guiding principle of the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing project has been fostering a sense of belonging. 

Implementing the Oasis of radical wellbeing project 

During the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing project (2021-2024), we implemented dozens of pilot initiatives, many of which will continue as part of Aalto University’s structures. These pilots have served to test operational models and explore future possibilities. They enable us to identify the kinds of developmental steps for which our organization is prepared. 

The outcomes of these pilots are closely tied to our ability to foster stronger community bonds and a culture of care. We need knowledge and skills, particularly in respectful communication, empathy, and group dynamics, to enhance our sense of belonging. This sense of interconnectedness among community members promotes their overall belonging and inclusion. 

Sense of belonging unites people 

During the Wellbeing Week fair at Aalto, we had discussions with members of the Aalto community about where they feel a sense of belonging. These conversations compelled me to reflect on what belonging actually means. 

The culture of care and the feeling of belonging are integral to promoting social sustainability in higher education. A sense of belonging enhances an individual's ability to cope with feelings of worry and helplessness. The capability and opportunity to increase the feeling of belonging within a community align directly with, for instance, the social sustainability goals of the UN and the EU. 

Research shows that belonging to a community promotes the satisfaction, commitment, performance, and overall wellbeing of both students and staff. 

Cultivating a sense of belonging 

Attachment and the feeling of belonging increase motivation to act and foster a desire to collaborate with others. For me, personally, the best experience of this is when I see people around me striving towards a common goal. 

Ultimately, the sense of belonging affects human resilience and health. It enhances the quality of life, strengthens social relationships, and supports adaptation within a community. It positively impacts both mental and physical health. 

Building the sense of belonging 

In the context of higher education, experiences of belonging can be enhanced by focusing on three interrelated aspects: 

First, recognize that the capacity to connect and belong are skills that can be developed. To support this, we produced the "Keys to Wellbeing" content series within the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing project. These resources help individuals develop self-awareness, emotional and empathy skills, and the ability to foster meaningful connections with others. 

Second, people must have opportunities to experience a sense of belonging. Physical meetings, group work, and social activities are essential in creating community. Inclusive spaces and events facilitate social interaction. At a systemic level, such as in educational programmes, it is crucial to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities to connect with others. 

Third, universities should cultivate a culture of respect and encourage building a sense of belonging. This can be achieved by enhancing psychological safety, promoting diversity, and ensuring equal growth opportunities for all community members. Understanding that underrepresented and marginalized individuals and groups may face challenges in community integration is essential. Therefore, we must foster an inclusive environment and campus by implementing practices that support respect and equality. 

Psychological safety and difficult questions 

Psychological safety is key to feeling a sense of belonging in any organization. A community's ability to handle difficult topics strengthens the bonds among its members. In an effective team, composed of friends or individuals who respect each other, there is room for mistakes. There is an understanding that no one knows everything, and that results are achieved through shared expertise. 

In this context, it is important to address an often overlooked but crucial aspect of psychological safety: its role in dealing with difficult issues such as wars, genocides, political tensions, or the climate crisis. Global crises and challenges raise significant questions for individuals and organizations, and the ambiguity of available solutions and the uncertainty of answers can evoke feelings that are hard to tolerate. It can be harmful if difficult topics are not addressed due to the emotions or conflicting views they might provoke. Universities must be able to face these challenging emotions and make space for even painful discussions. 

Non-violent communication and open dialogue 

The concept of nonviolent communication is central to psychological safety, providing room for expressing needs and posing difficult questions without accusations. Nonviolent communication connects to the idea that we take each other’s needs seriously, understanding the need for individuals to be seen and heard. 

Open and genuine handling of difficult issues strengthens attachment to the group. Listening and providing feedback are necessary, as is actively working to reduce exclusion and harassment. 

Practical steps towards belonging 

We hope each of us finds a small or large community where we can feel a sense of belonging. For this to happen, we need to listen to and respect each other. 

Within the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing project (2021-2024), we have examined the wellbeing of the entire community. We have explored the communal factors contributing to the wellbeing of teachers and thriving educational programs. We have strengthened inclusive teaching practices, established a wellbeing service point for staff, tested compassion mentoring, supported the development of academic coaching, and generally increased awareness of holistic wellbeing. 

Empowering wellbeing 

The wellbeing ambassadors of Oasis (2022-2023) improved our understanding of grassroots student needs. They implemented over twenty student-led projects and collaborated with the Aalto University Student Union to combat harassment. 

We have also experimented with using media to disseminate wellbeing information and tools. Through the efforts of a wellbeing producer and media expert, Oasis has reached nearly two hundred thousand contacts via various media solutions and numerous events. 

From ego to eco: piloting fosters connections 

As Otto Scharmer from MIT suggests, pilots are used to develop living microcosms of the future. They provide feedback and insights on practices that could work in the future, building connections that break down silos, fostering skills, teamwork, and new forms of cooperation. 

Pilots help create a sense of purpose and confidence that solving complex problems is possible. Most importantly, they create opportunities for forming networks that drive continuous development. The pilot projects executed within Oasis are being integrated into existing systems. You can read more about the results of Oasis here (unpublished page under construction): Oasis result page | Aalto University. 

The word "radical" in the Oasis of radical Wellbeing project has sometimes raised questions. It simply means that the goal of wellbeing is not just personal egocentric benefit but understanding that a person in good health can act more effectively for important causes, such as community building or planetary wellbeing. Open-heartedness, empathy, and inclusiveness drive communities and individuals – in Otto Scharmer’s words – from ego to eco. 

Continuing the work of radical wellbeing 

The radical wellbeing project is concluding, but the work does not end. Among the Oasis workers, we have had a slogan: "It’s a living thing!" Enhancing wellbeing in a community is a living matter. However, if the community listens to its individuals, it transforms. 

P.S. 

In October 2024, Aalto’s staff wellbeing specialists and the Oasis project presented the Aaltogether community initiative. It brings together communal wellbeing services for employees and students, wellbeing content produced by Oasis, and Aalto’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) activities. Aaltogether exemplifies how Oasis pilots have led to more permanent solutions within our organization.