5 Strategies to Overcome Loneliness at Work

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In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, set off alarms with a report that the country is facing a new public health crisis— loneliness. Feeling of isolation are leading to declines in both physical and mental health.

Being alone and not in regular connection with others leads to a 29% increase in heart disease, a 32% higher risk of a stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. The absence of social connection among people leads to a 60% increase in premature death. The risk of depression is twice as high for those who are lonely.

The new statistics complement a 2020 study by Cigna finding that 62% (nearly two-thirds!) of Americans are lonely. There is a price tag for the isolation, as loneliness costs U.S. employers $406 billion in lost productivity and health expenses.

While the numbers are disheartening, there is hope and a plan to decrease isolation and improve interaction, starting with building meaningful connections and relationships. Evaluating everything from the physical layout of our environment to our relationship with technology, the Surgeon General outlined a framework to combat the problem.

Science has long established that those who are more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and are more trusting and cooperative. These are critical skills that are needed to withstand difficult situations. They can make us more resilient.

Building Connections at Work

The workplace is a great place to build meaningful connections. Unfortunately, our ability to meaningfully engage at work is hampered and redirected with the increased volume of virtual and hybrid work, but that doesn’t mean it has completely disintegrated. In her latest book, The 5 Practices of Highly Resilient People, Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal recommends five options for building connections and growing empathy at work.

Seek perspective
View a situation from someone else’s perspective while imagining their experiences and feelings.

Check in

Ask a colleague how they are doing, and take special care to listen carefully to their answer.

Demonstrate care and concern

When a colleague faces a difficult time, take them out for a meal or coffee and ask how you can be supportive. Sometimes the gesture alone can speak volumes.

Practice active listening

Listen carefully without interrupting. To ensure you understood, reflect on what was said by paraphrasing.

Validate other people’s perspective

Share an empathetic reflection.

Loneliness is a significant and increasing problem. It impacts our physical and mental health and decreases productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. Reaching out to someone and commencing a conversation can be the first step to alleviating our nation's social isolation.