Loneliness and isolation can be silent killers, even at work.
According to a survey by BetterUp, 69% of employees report they are not happy with their social connections at work while 43% of people don’t feel a sense of connection with their colleagues.
According to Gallup, 1 in 5 employees report experiencing loneliness. Twenty-five percent of fully remote employees report higher levels of loneliness compared to 16% who go into the office daily.
So how can you get around it?
Experts say if you have an office desk, decorate it. Things like a family picture, a favorite sports team, or a personal hobby like reading a book, might lead to conversations.
“To be able to collaborate with their people because purpose is why people want to work nowadays and that’s what they’re looking for,” said Constance Nelson, lead therapist and founder of Constantly Healthy Counseling Coaching.
Working remotely can be a challenge, but websites like Sneek let you see your teammates all day and start instant video chats with a single click. That way everyone feels included.
Next, join or form groups for activities like an employee resources group or an employee-run network within a company that supports people who share a common identity, interest, or experience.
“We all are here to connect and have community and if we don’t have that it can cause depression, anxiety, panic attacks,” said Nelson.
And don’t be afraid to reach out to your boss if you feel lonely.
“People don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses. So as bosses we are founders, we really must make sure that our people are connecting,” said Nelson.
Another way to get around loneliness at work is to try and find that social person who’s been in the company for a while. They could introduce you to other people and establish more connections.