October 21, 2024
Axios recently published an article featuring research from Constance Noonan Hadley, Research Associate Professor of Management and Organizations, on the complexities of workplace loneliness. The study was co-authored and provides new insights into the growing issue.
The study, involving 1,000 knowledge workers, defined work loneliness as the gap between desired and actual social connection. Interestingly, individuals with significant in-person interactions still reported high levels of loneliness, suggesting that just having face-to-face contact isn’t enough.
Important factors affecting loneliness include the availability of social opportunities, levels of extroversion, and the experiences of workers of color, who frequently report feeling more isolated.
To help combat loneliness, employers can measure its prevalence through anonymous surveys, promote work-life balance to allow for social interaction, and facilitate casual social events like lunches and happy hours to encourage connection.