employees having an open workplace discussion

Since the start of the pandemic, changes to our social lives and access to support networks have increased feelings of loneliness for many. These feelings have an effect on our working lives, having an impact on our mental wellbeing, physical health, and overall quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of loneliness on health, ways that loneliness can be prevented and how workplaces can build cultures to support connectedness.

Loneliness is associated with poorer psychological health

Data from over 15,000 users of the 87% platform shows that approximately a third of UK workers are regularly struggling with loneliness, which includes regularly feeling left out and having nobody to talk to. Feeling isolated is never ‘part of the job’; it’s a serious occupational health risk. Yet, in your workplace, nearly 1 in 3 of your colleagues may be feeling socially isolated, having a big impact on their health.

What’s more, our data shows that loneliness is associated with being six times more likely to be struggling with depression and three times more likely to have poor workplace health.

loneliness findings from 87% survey data — Findings from 87% survey data of approximately 10,000 UK workers in 2020/2021

Whether you’re working at home, returning to the office or continuing to support the frontline as a key worker, fostering positive relationships with colleagues reduces work stress and can help you cope with other stressful parts of the job.

Social support protects against poor mental health

As colleagues and working teams, there are several ways that workplaces can combat loneliness and contribute to a working culture that supports better wellbeing.

Across sectors, there’s strong evidence that better quality relationships are a powerful protection against poor wellbeing and something that managers can embrace to promote staff health. In a study of over 20,000 people (1), researchers found that the quality and quantity of social relationships is a strong predictor of subsequent mental health outcomes 12 months later. Through proactive thinking and small workplace changes, social support can become a powerful part of your business strategy.

Open up the conversation

“What does it feel like to be lonely? It feels like being hungry: like being hungry when everyone around you is readying for a feast”
Olivia Laing, The Lonely City

Often, loneliness is stigmatised as a negative feeling that is uncomfortable and challenging to admit to others, despite the fact that social isolation affects over a third of the UK population (2). In a workplace, it’s important for managers to help de-stigmatise feelings of loneliness by acknowledging how common they are and opening up conversations with staff about their wellbeing.

A key part of 87%’s training packages is to help managers spot the signs of poor mental health and understanding how isolation is a key factor for this is integral to improving your workplace.

Building work communities

Organised social support can take a variety of forms. From mentorships that drive professional development to regular peer support groups, a number of strategies can have a tangible impact on wellbeing. In a trial of healthcare workers (3), organised peer support groups significantly reduced the risk of stress and burnout. Partnering junior staff with senior staff (‘reverse mentoring’) can help to educate senior staff on concerns that matter to younger colleagues and promote more inclusive work cultures. These proactive social measures can positively impact the mental wellbeing of staff.

Taking time for shared breaks

Simple, sustainable changes to a workplace can also lead to improvements. Working through breaks is a problem for many who feel under pressure to hit deadlines, but socialising helps staff de-stress and feel connected as a team, while using the time to reset can lead to greater productivity. Whether it's remotely or in the workplace, structured breaks and check-ins give staff an opportunity for social support and are a simple, low-cost way to support mental wellbeing.

Ensuring staff have breaks at similar times can support stronger team connections and have been found to have a positive impact on staff wellbeing.

Remote and hybrid work doesn’t have to mean alone

Quick team-wide ‘stand-up’ meetings, coffee breaks with colleagues on quieter days, checking in on internal channels, and general discussion threads can make all the difference to feeling connected during the working day. And it’s important to recognise and celebrate milestones, such as colleagues’ birthdays and work anniversaries, as well as major achievements by the business as a whole. For hybrid teams, coordinate days where more staff are at the workplace and ensure people feel valued and get the most out of connections when they can meet in person.

Quick-fire, positive interactions can help your teams feel part of the organisation when working remotely.

References

1. Saeri, A. K., Cruwys, T., Barlow, F. K., Stronge, S. & Sibley, C. G. Social connectedness improves public mental health: Investigating bidirectional relationships in the New Zealand attitudes and values survey. Aust. N. Z. J. Psychiatry52, 365–374 (2018).

2. Groarke, J. M. et al. Loneliness in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: Cross-sectional results from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. PLoS ONE15, (2020).

3. Peterson, U., Bergström, G., Samuelsson, M., Åsberg, M. & Nygren, Å. Reflecting peer-support groups in the prevention of stress and burnout: randomized controlled trial. J. Adv. Nurs.63, 506–516 (2008).