Loneliness At Work? Why Does It Matter?

Alison Butler
Aug 1, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 31, 2025

Do you ever think about how loneliness might impact your workplace?

Here are some alarming statistics about loneliness from the US Surgeon General:

Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
Poor or insufficient social connection is associated with increased risk of disease, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness is associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression, and dementia.

Keep in mind that loneliness is not just being isolated from others. Social isolation and loneliness are related, but they are not the same.

Feeling isolated might include lack of social relationships, interactions or group experiences. On the other hand, loneliness is a subjective internal state. It’s the distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or unmet needs between an individual’s preferred and actual experience.

We cannot "fix" loneliness in the workplace simply by having open-concept office spaces or enforcing in-office work days.

While this is a complex topic, real, genuine connection is a great place to start (and is also key to burnout prevention). Here's a short checklist to get your thinking about what's working (or not working) in your workplace:

Inclusive workplace where diversity is genuinely valued and celebrated.
Good mental health supports like Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that are openly talked about and encouraged throughout all levels of the workplace.
Train direct supervisors to be aware of and comfortable talking about workplace mental health supports.
Encourage interests outside of work - find ways to share and connect o hobbies and extra-curriculars.
Encourage work-life balance - regular breaks and vacation time.
Encourage open communication and/or platforms where employees can voice opinions and concerns without judgement.
Mentorship programs.
Regular communication with managers (1-1's)
Use collaborate platforms to facilitate teamwork for remote/hybrid work
Train leaders and managers to be aware of signs that someone could be struggling and have tools for conversation (Mental Health First Aid is a great start!)