We spend over a billion hours in the workplace each week, making up a significant proportion of our lives.1 However, more than 1 in 10 workers often or always experience loneliness at work, while nearly half of workers feel lonely sometimes.2
It's important to recognise loneliness to support employees' social wellbeing. Loneliness in the workplace is not just about being physically alone. You may think the issue is around loneliness and home workers, rather than onsite workers. But it's about feeling disconnected and isolated, even when surrounded by colleagues. Despite being surrounded by people and technology; some still feel disconnected. We explore the factors contributing to workplace loneliness and some practical ways to combat it.
Understanding loneliness in the workplace
Understanding loneliness in the workplace involves recognising its potential negative impact on employees and the overall work environment. In recent years, the effects of workplace loneliness have been a topic of interest due to its significant impact on aspects like mental health, productivity, and job satisfaction.3 It’s crucial for employers to acknowledge and address loneliness by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, promoting social connections among employees, and providing resources for mental health and wellbeing. By understanding and addressing loneliness, employers can create a more positive and fulfilling work environment for their employees.
Contributing factors
Several factors contribute to loneliness in the workplace. Firstly, the rise of remote work and flexible schedules can lead to decreased face-to-face interaction among colleagues, and social isolation. While technology enables virtual communication, it can’t fully replace the social bonds formed through in-person interactions. Additionally, high workload and time pressures can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and unable to prioritise social connections. Furthermore, hierarchical structures and competitive environments may inhibit genuine interpersonal relationships, fostering a sense of isolation among employees.
Loneliness at individual and organisational levels
Loneliness, whether experienced individually or within organisations, poses significant challenges to our wellbeing and ability to thrive. As social creatures, our innate need for meaningful connections is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. These connections provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, intellectual stimulation, and motivation for personal and collective growth. When deprived of such connections, individuals may experience isolation, sadness, and decreased self-worth, while organisations may suffer from decreased engagement, productivity, and a negative culture.3 Addressing loneliness requires prioritising meaningful connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting open communication and collaboration to create a supportive and fulfilling social environment.
Tackling loneliness: strategies and solutions
To address loneliness in the workplace a multifaceted approach is needed that involves organisational strategies and individual interventions. First, it is crucial to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. Organisations can achieve this by promoting open communication, encouraging team-building activities, and celebrating diversity. Additionally, leaders should prioritise building authentic relationships with their team members and creating opportunities for social interaction.
Furthermore, organisations can implement policies and practices for supporting employees with wellbeing and work-life balance. This may include offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, and promoting healthy work-life integration. Organisations can create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and connected by prioritising employee wellness.
On an individual level, employees can take proactive steps to combat loneliness in the workplace. This may involve reaching out to colleagues for social interactions, participating in team activities, and seeking support from mentors or employee resource groups. Practising self-care and prioritising personal relationships outside work can help alleviate loneliness and isolation.
The Loneliness Employers Leadership Group, established by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Campaign to End Loneliness, recently published guidance for employers to tackle loneliness in the workplace:2
Culture and infrastructure
- Embed connectedness into corporate values.
- Identify what matters to employees.
- Combine with wellbeing and mental health training.
- Identify a “champion”.
Senior leader involvement
- Make loneliness a part of managers’ responsibilities.
- Provide support for handling emotional and difficult conversations.
- Be clear about boundaries and signpost to sources of support.
Work and workplace
- Create space, time, and opportunities for connection.
- Recognise remote working.
Tackling loneliness network
- Create staff network groups as a way for employees to come together.
Encourage remote workers to join professional networks to stay connected with their industry peers, share knowledge and experiences.
Loneliness in the workplace is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for both employees and organisations. By understanding the factors contributing to loneliness and implementing practical solutions, workplaces can foster environments that recognise loneliness, promote connection, belonging, and wellbeing. Addressing loneliness requires a collective effort from organisations and individuals to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected.
If your employees’ mental health is on your mind, you may be interested to learn more about our mental health training services.* Find full details here.
If you have any questions, please contact Lorna Feeney Mental Health & Wellbeing Practice Leader, Marsh Advisory UK.
*These services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
1. statista.com/overall-weekly-hours-of-work-uk
2. redcross.org.uk/loneliness-at-work
3. thepsychpractice.com/plog/understandingworkplaceloneliness
