Lonely and disconnected: the hidden cost of isolation in the workplace

Contrary to popular belief, isolation and the tendency towards loneliness are not just individual problems in the workplace.

A lack of interaction and communication with the team directly interferes with productivity, employee well-being, and the work environment.

Research has shown that isolated employees are less engaged, less motivated, and ultimately less productive. According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, lonely workers reported lower job satisfaction, reduced organisational commitment, and higher turnover intentions.

The lack of meaningful connections

Feeling isolated at work is a common experience that can negatively affect people's emotional health and job performance. It can be especially challenging, as we spend most of our time at work and the lack of meaningful connections can lead to stress, demotivation, and decreased job satisfaction.

"We conducted a survey with the Conference for Women in which we asked nearly 1,500 participants about their sense of community at work before and since the pandemic and found it has declined 37%. When people had a sense of community at work, we found that they were 58% more likely to thrive at work, 55% more engaged, and 66% more likely to stay with their organisation. They experienced significantly less stress and were far more likely to thrive outside of work, too," the report suggested.

Another study, by Marketplace, reveals that: "Loneliness cost employers approximately US$154 billion annually, substantially contributes to worker job-withdrawal and has negative implications for organisational effectiveness and costs".

On the other hand, according to the same publication: "Workers who had the job resources of social companionship, good work-life balance, and satisfaction with communications were 53% less likely to be lonely than other employees. Creating a healthy work-life balance for employees is very important – implementing flexible work schedules and email blackout periods, these can all foster a better balance."

READ MORE | Why it's lonely at the top

The cost of loneliness too high to ignore

Employers must take proactive steps to combat isolation and foster a culture of connection, belonging, and productivity. By investing in their employees' well-being, organisations can create a more resilient, engaged, and successful workforce.

Moreover, isolated employees are more prone to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, further exacerbating the problem.

For Dr. Sarah Johnson, Vice President, Enterprise Surveys and Analytics at Perceptyx, the importance of addressing loneliness in the workplace cannot be overstated.

"Loneliness can have a profound impact on employee well-being and performance," she said. "It's essential for employers to recognise the signs of isolation and implement strategies to foster connection and belonging among their teams."

According to Dr. Johnson, fostering a sense of community and belonging is key to combating loneliness in the workplace. "Encouraging social interactions, providing opportunities for team-building activities, and promoting a culture of inclusivity are crucial steps towards creating a supportive work environment," she advises.

How to support employees who feel isolated

What can employers do to support their isolated employees and improve workplace productivity? Here are some strategies:

Promote social connections

Encourage regular team meetings, coffee breaks, and social events where employees can interact and build relationships outside of work tasks.

Implement flexibility

Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to accommodate employees' diverse needs and preferences.

Provide EAP and similar resources

Offer resources such as employee assistance programmes, mental health workshops, and counselling services to support employees who may be struggling with loneliness or isolation.

Encourage mentorship and buddy systems

Pair employees with mentors or buddies who can provide guidance, support, and a sense of camaraderie.

Create a culture of appreciation

Recognise and appreciate employees' contributions regularly to foster a sense of belonging and value within the organisation.

Be proactive and reach out to colleagues to initiate an interaction that can lead to a better relationship and integrate you into the team. Remember that building relationships takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to engage with your team.

Here are six strategies that can be useful for this purpose:

Initiate conversations

Take the first step by initiating conversations with your colleagues. Start with small talk about work-related topics or common interests to break the ice.

Attend social events

Make an effort to attend social events organised by your company, such as team lunches, happy hours, or networking events. These provide opportunities to mingle with coworkers in a more relaxed setting.

Join work-related groups

Get involved in work-related groups or committees that align with your interests or skills. This can be a great way to meet like-minded colleagues and collaborate on projects outside of your regular duties.

Seek feedback and input

Actively seek feedback and input from your team members on projects or tasks you are working on. This not only demonstrates your willingness to collaborate but also opens the door for further interaction and engagement.

Offer help

Be proactive in offering help and support to your colleagues when needed. Whether it's lending a hand with a project or offering assistance with a task, showing that you are a team player can help foster positive relationships with your coworkers.

Schedule one-on-one meetings

If you are struggling to connect with your team in group settings, consider scheduling one-on-one meetings with individual team members. This provides a more intimate setting for conversation and allows you to get to know your colleagues on a deeper level.