How to counteract workplace loneliness: The silent productivity killer

Cultivating a committed and engaged workforce can feel akin to scaling a steep mountain filled with obstacles. Amidst current global events and workplace dynamics, such as rising inflation, intense competition for talent, and the post-pandemic remote work dynamics, ensuring employees remain connected and engaged is essential. As a result of these factors, our latest research found that 2 in 3 employees don’t feel a sense of belonging at work, which can ultimately lead to less productivity.

In today’s workplace ecosystem, spotting the issues of loneliness and isolation often slip under the radar. Yet, its repercussions on employee wellbeing and overall organizational productivity are undeniable. Telltale signs of an isolated employee often include slowed response times, a lack of accountability to shared tasks or projects, and a palpable distance from participating in team activities. To navigate this, contemporary organizations must adopt strategies that actively address employee wellbeing and help counteract loneliness at work.

Here are a few ways business leaders can counteract workplace loneliness across their organization:

Prioritize holistic wellbeing

Employee wellbeing is a multifaceted concept, spanning physical, emotional, and financial dimensions. Addressing each is vital to cultivating a sense of belonging and warding off feelings of isolation. An alarming 31% of employees feel that the past few years have taken a toll on their overall wellbeing, which underscores the urgency of the matter. Our research also found that over 4 in 5 employees say workplace burnout affects their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Taking a step further, leaning into wellness resources to address these unique challenges can help foster a robust, contented, and resilient workforce. In addition to providing diverse health care options, initiatives such as mental health days, wellbeing allowances, access to counseling services, and interactive stress-relief workshops can be game-changers. Organizations might consider offering financial planning seminars, comprehensive retirement benefits, and other competitive compensation to assuage financial concerns and ensure financial wellbeing.

Empower and value managers

Managers stand as pillars, bridging the chasm between an organization’s vision and an employee’s daily grind. Their importance is magnified given 89% of global employees emphasize the significance of feeling acknowledged by leadership. After competitive compensation, employees value a caring manager above all. However, these fundamental needs for acknowledgment often get overlooked amid daily challenges. As the foundation of a thriving workforce, strengthening direct employer-employee ties can ensure workers feel valued and engaged, ultimately making managers the linchpin in enhancing engagement and overall organizational success.

As a way to fortify this bond between managers and their teams, organizations should invest in training programs that equip managers with the tools to listen actively, communicate effectively, and empathize with their team members. Additionally, leadership workshops that emphasize building emotionally intelligent leaders can be instrumental in ensuring they can discern and address signs of workplace loneliness and disengagement. At the simplest level, making benefits easy for managers to find and refer to employees can allow them to help without needing to be wellbeing experts. Sticking fast to a schedule of regular check-ins can also serve as potent feedback mechanisms, offering employees a platform to voice their concerns, share ideas, and provide feedback directly. One last word on managers. Our research has found they are even more likely to be lonely than employees. Don’t expect your managers to provide support if they aren’t also receiving similar support from their leaders.

Harness the power of recognition

When employees feel underappreciated for their exceptional and routine contributions, this neglect can snowball into stress and, if unchecked, lead to severe burnout. As many terms have made waves through the industry, Gallup found last year that “quiet quitters” – disengaged workers who no longer tried their best – made up at least 50% of the U.S. workforce.

Thanking and rewarding employees for their hard work is fundamental to engagement. Our research showed that 66% of U.S. employees agree their work wellbeing would improve if they were simply thanked more for their hard work. The sentiment of being valued, of one’s contributions being seen and appreciated, imbues employees with a sense of purpose and a deeper connection to their organization.

Therefore, the call to action is clear: Tailored reward programs that cater to a broad spectrum of preferences, either monetary rewards, additional leave days, or opportunities for professional growth. Recognition shouldn’t be an annual event but a continual process; monthly or weekly platforms where peers can acknowledge and celebrate each other’s successes can be transformative. Periodic engagement surveys can keep a pulse on the effectiveness of these recognition strategies, providing insights for further refinement.

Related: Younger workers struggle with mental health but employers can help, study finds

Ultimately, the dynamic landscape of the contemporary workplace demands a proactive approach to the silent yet pervasive issue of workplace loneliness. HR leaders must adopt a profoundly people-centric approach to thrive in the evolving professional landscape. Emphasizing support, connection, communication, and recognition enhances workplace wellbeing and bolsters productivity. By adopting a comprehensive stance on wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of managerial roles, and amplifying recognition efforts, organizations stand not just to enhance employee satisfaction but also to cultivate a connected, motivated, and resilient workforce.

Alex Powell, director of Client Cultural Insights at Reward Gateway