You Spend One-Third of Your Life at Work

_{Workplace stress isn't just about deadlines—loneliness silently impacts productivity and well-being.}

_{Although you may have experienced the stress of a difficult colleague or boss in a toxic workplace before, you may not be aware that loneliness is one of the leading factors of workplace stress.}

_{The negative impacts of loneliness at work include decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs, sick days, absenteeism, and turnover. Cigna Healthcare estimates that loneliness costs the economy $406 billion annually. For employers, the number of workdays employees miss due to loneliness equates to $4,200 per employee.}

_{Want to help combat loneliness in your workplace? Share this newsletter with one of your colleagues or a friend. Spark the first conversation, you end up helping others too. Reply here and let us know your experience.}

How Loneliness Manifests in the Workplace

About 26% of workers experience workplace loneliness. It affects the length of tenure, productivity, and employee health.

The Rise of Remote Work Following COVID-19

Between 2019 and 2021, the number of people working from home in the US tripled from 9 million to 27.6 million. Although many workers have returned to the office post-pandemic, the remote workforce grew to nearly one-quarter of the workforce.

A Forbes study showed that 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time to help their work-life balance. And yet, remote work has challenges. According to The Wall Street Journal article "The Loneliness of the American Worker," more than 40% of remote-working parents said they go days without leaving the house.

Toxic Workplace Cultures as a Source of Loneliness

Another potential reason is toxic workplaces. A toxic workplace isn't just about difficult bosses or coworkers. It's often a result of a culture where employees don't feel safe to share ideas, connect with one another, or attend too many pointless meetings.

In-office employees have tripled their time in meetings since 2020. Some spend nearly a quarter of their time in virtual meetings, while face-to-face meetings account for only 8% of their time. A lot of workers cite meetings as having little value to their work.

Strategies for a More Connected Work Environment

Establishing strong connections with colleagues boosts performance, enhances one's sense of belonging, and leads to better physical and mental health.

Foster Opportunities to Connect for In-Person and Remote Workers

Having regular connection opportunities—not just meetings but also unstructured chitchat or event days—can help reduce isolation. Social scientists have found that the frequency of small talk, not in-depth connection, reduces loneliness. This sense of connection goes beyond superficial team-building exercises; it's about genuinely caring for your coworkers, knowing personal details about them, and welcoming contributions.

The Role of Mentorship in Reducing Loneliness and Stress

There are up to five generations of workers in the workforce. This can cause some friction in attitudes and working styles. Younger workers prefer working with age-mates compared to older ones and are more likely to work remotely. Having a mentor can help increase connection, belonging, and a sense of contribution and growth, whether onsite or remotely.

Building a Culture of Respect and Engagement

Valuing every voice and encouraging collaboration can transform a workplace. This can include working in groups and recognition and even celebration of achievement by management. Engaged workers are far less lonely than those who are disengaged.

Some other insights on the workplace….

• Work friends can be real friends: It might feel awkward at first, but you can turn your work bestie into a lifelong friend. Here's how.

• Win the battle: There are valuable ways to fight the loneliness of remote working and lead a team collaboratively.

• Make a difference: Employers can help reduce loneliness at work by fostering engagement.

• Become a mentor: Support others at your workplace to reach their potential.

Do you have amazing colleagues, remote or in-person? Reply to this email and share your journey with us.