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contacts with whom they may not be interacting. This could increase engagement as users
use this function to communicate with their meaningful relationships. Based on the data,
the current version of the Connect function is not utilized nor favoured.
Recommendations to increase the impact of Hugr Authentic Connections app
• Consider how this app can support programs — Hugr Authentic Connections app's
impact could be enhanced by using it to support people-led interventions. Besides a
standalone solution, the app could be used to support interventions to facilitate and help
employees build and maintain authentic communications, especially when this might be
challenging (e.g., hybrid workforce). Studies show that virtual facilitation, email contact,
phone, and live facilitation enhance engagement with self-help resources [46]. Hugr
Authentic Connections app could be used in this context to increase accountability,
practice between sessions, and translation of the skills to everyday life. This is consistent
with the idea of using Hugr Authentic Connections app to track practice and skills, much
like a Fitbit, for authentic connections. Facilitators would likely need some training but
not clinical-level expertise to facilitate such a program. The facilitator would need only a
curriculum and some training to provide employees with a program designed to support
mental fitness. One core pillar of mental fitness is the quality of a person's authentic
connections.
• Team-based approach — A department or unit within an organization could use Hugr
Authentic Connections app to improve connection as a team. This is especially important
given the high likelihood that hybrid workplaces and remote work will continue well past
the pandemic. Remote work does not automatically generate loneliness and social