Strategies for Overcoming Loneliness Through Work

Source: Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has warned about the potential health risks of loneliness, likening it to the dangers of smoking cigarettes. As our world becomes increasingly automated, the opportunities for human connections are dwindling. One Dutch grocery store chain developed an unconventional solution: introducing slow lanes to allow customers to chat with the cashier if they choose. Others have suggested larger changes, such as creating more appealing green spaces in cities, or even building intentional communities centered around open spaces.

Yet, with over 135 million Americans spending many of their waking hours at work, another way to deal with loneliness is to allow for our workplaces to be places where connections thrive. However, remarkably, even when surrounded by colleagues, many employees still grapple with feelings of isolation. To counter these challenges, here are practical recommendations to begin transforming the workplace into a hub of connection:

1. Timing is Key

The news is buzzing with stories of conflicts between management and employees over the question of whether workers should maintain remote or hybrid work arrangements. Even Zoom, the company synonymous with remote work, is requesting its employees increase their in-office presence.

While companies weigh the pros and cons of working from home, a crucial factor often gets overlooked: mere physical presence in the office doesn't automatically foster connections, alleviate loneliness, or promote effectiveness. Employees who spend their in-office hours isolated in cubicles or attending video meetings despite being physically at the office aren't addressing feelings of loneliness. In fact, this approach might even exacerbate the issue.

Instead, companies should pinpoint the critical junctures where physical presence truly matters for building connections. These moments likely include events such as onboarding new employees, navigating difficult conversations, or engaging in in-depth brainstorming sessions with your team. Interestingly, data underscores that these are precisely the instances when employees won’t fight coming into the office: According to a Harvard Business Review article, a remarkable 85% of employees are motivated to come to the office when the reasoning involves strengthening their team bonds.

2. Crafting Meaningful Connections

The mere co-location of individuals doesn’t ensure genuine relationships; connection often requires intentional efforts. The U.S. Surgeon General introduced a strategy to intentionally foster stronger connections within his team at work, aligning with his broader initiative of shedding light on the loneliness epidemic. This initiative, dubbed the “Inside Scoop,” entailed team members sharing personal insights through pictures during their weekly staff meetings, dedicating five minutes to each session.

Initially, I was skeptical about the Inside Scoop’s effectiveness, so I decided to put it to the test. During a course I recently taught to business school students, I introduced a similar exercise to my students in our virtual format. I prompted the students to create a 5-minute video using pictures to reveal aspects of their lives that they wanted to share. One student shared her passion for scuba diving, another shared the renovation happening in his home, and yet another focused on annual visits to see family who lived across the globe.

Despite having months in many of the same virtual courses, the feedback from these students was strikingly unanimous—most expressed surprise at discovering something new about their peers. Yet, the true magic emerged as these short videos ignited ongoing conversations. Students delved into discussions about finding reliable contractors, exploring budget-friendly flight options, overcoming the challenges of a new hobby, and eventually, they ventured into deeper topics. Witnessing how a mere 5-minute glimpse into someone's life could kindle a profound sense of connection throughout the entire group was genuinely remarkable.

3. Championing the Power of Connections

When broaching the topic of fostering connections and curbing loneliness within the workplace, skepticism frequently arises. Critics often argue that workplaces are venues for productivity, dismissing the need for interpersonal bonding. If you find yourself struggling to convey the importance of building connections to your team or leaders, consider this compelling statistic:

According to a Gallup survey, employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more engaged. This translates to heightened efficiency, consistent innovation, better customer and partner interactions, and an overall elevated sense of enjoyment in their work.

Addressing the skeptics, both you and I can convey the following: fostering connections not only enhances employee well-being but also boosts work performance, creating a genuine win-win scenario.