With many organisations maintaining hybrid and remote working conditions, increasing evidence highlights a downside of this arrangement – loss of workplace social connections.
For some employees, lack of regular camaraderie with colleagues may trigger loneliness. Feelings of loneliness can have a profound impact on employees’ mental and emotional wellbeing, which, in turn, can affect their productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. As organisational practices and cultures evolve around places of work, it’s essential to recognise that a sense of belonging and connection is as vital in the workplace as it is in any other aspect of life.
First, it’s important to recognise that loneliness is on the rise. A Relationships Australia survey found almost 24% of Australians showed symptoms of loneliness in 2022, compared to 17% in 20181. Similarly, New Zealand statistics show loneliness has increased in 2021 by 4.7%2.
In an era where the boundaries between work and personal life can sometimes blur, loneliness is not just a personal issue. In fact, workplace leaders ignore it at their peril. One study3 revealed that 40% of lonely workers said they felt less productive, while 38% reported making more mistakes, and 47% said they were more likely to experience poor wellbeing with 36% reporting in got sick more often.
These findings have been validated by research from The Wharton School and California State University4, which found higher levels of workplace loneliness are related to reduced job performance and commitment to the organisation. On the flipside, Gallup research5 found people who have a best friend in the workplace are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs. They also have higher wellbeing and are less likely to get injured at work.