Imagine starting your workday feeling isolated despite being surrounded by the most connective technology ever created. For many employees, this is a reality. A staggering 20% of employees experience daily loneliness, a phenomenon more pronounced among people under 35 and remote workers.
Loneliness is more than an emotional burden; it has severe implications for physical and mental health. Social isolation doubles the risk of mortality, making it crucial to understand and mitigate loneliness as the workforce becomes increasingly remote. As leaders, we must rise to this challenge, implementing measures to foster a more connected and supportive work environment that ensures future success.
The state of loneliness among employees
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report highlighting the loneliness epidemic, a concern significantly amplified during the pandemic. That was the first time many people truly felt the impact of isolation. The workplace, traditionally a social environment, has not been immune given the rise of remote work. Employees may find it difficult to discuss personal matters due to the fear of sparking disagreements or crossing unwritten social boundaries.
Long before the term “loneliness epidemic” entered our vocabulary, I witnessed the impact of disengagement in the workplace. As an HR executive, I’ve seen talented individuals disconnect and eventually leave when they feel undervalued or isolated.
Nearly 75% of workers seek a sense of purpose in their work, which is deeply tied to their connection with colleagues and the organizational culture. Isolation and loneliness can erode this, leading to disengagement. And when teams operate in isolation, it hinders collaboration and scalability, making it difficult to maintain a cohesive, high-performance culture.
Addressing and reducing loneliness in the workplace requires a proactive and empathetic approach. Start with these strategies:
1. Create personal connections
The first step in addressing loneliness is getting to know your team members personally. Understanding their family lives, hobbies, and interests creates stronger connections. Regular one-on-ones, tailored to each employee’s needs and preferences, offer opportunities to check in on professional and personal matters, strengthening team bonds. Our workshops emphasize this by encouraging leaders to start conversations with team members about significant moments in their lives. It’s an opportunity to listen and a reminder that everyone has a story worth hearing.
2. Establish ERGs
Employee resource groups are an effective way to bridge gaps and create spaces where employees can share their experiences and learn from each other’s differences. ERGs build a sense of community and support, reducing feelings of isolation. For example, a client I worked to foster belonging, awareness, and a larger group of allies. Their success led to the formation of additional ERGs for minority groups, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community, further enhancing understanding and connection across the organization.
3. Implement human-first meetings
When I was an HR executive, my team spanned generations. To build connection and understanding, we started staff meetings by sharing personal photos. This sparked conversations and highlighted our different backgrounds in a way that brought us closer. Starting meetings—in person or remote—with icebreakers or personal updates can build community, and dedicating time for team members to share stories or successes helps cultivate relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
4. Review tech policies
Ensure that your tech and automation policies enhance rather than replace genuine human interactions. While automation can boost productivity, it must be balanced with authentic communication. Involving the team when implementing new tech — seeking their input, discussing the purpose, and considering potential unintended consequences — ensures the technology strengthens, not weakens, the bonds within your team.
5. Leverage social media for connection
In our team, connecting on social media has reinforced our respect for each other as individuals with varying interests and passions. Similarly, encourage your team to connect on social media to build trust and deeper relationships. When connections within the team are strong, social media can reinforce understanding and camaraderie without judgment on topics where people may disagree.
The workplace is evolving, and so must our approaches to connection and support. Building personal connections and a culture where employees feel valued and understood is essential. The steps you take today to address loneliness will pave the way for a healthier, more connected, and more resilient workforce in the future.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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