Lonely at Work? You’re Not Alone

A BU researcher is exploring questions about loneliness on the job, such as how does it impact the workplace and what can employers do to counteract it. Constance Hadley, a Questrom School of Business research associate professor in management and organizations, studies a problem the US surgeon general has declared a lethal pandemic, saying a lack of social connection can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

It’s natural to assume that loneliness at work started during the pandemic. But Hadley’s research began before that. In a study of nearly 500 global executives and other managers, most respondents struggled to connect with teammates at work, and feelings of loneliness correlated with aspects of how modern teams are designed.

This lack of connection was a significant problem, Hadley realized. What’s more, these feelings of isolation have a severe economic impact, with employers losing an estimated $154 billion annually due to stress-related absenteeism.

Fortunately, Hadley sees a way forward but offers some caution for our postpandemic world: “Just skipping to in-person and hoping that somehow people re-bond is wrong,” she says. “A forced return to the office with tremendous employee resistance can create that alienation that will increase loneliness.”

Instead, Hadley recommends changes that start with leadership. This means strategically creating an environment in which people are expected to care for each other, and encouraging managers to prioritize that environment.

Employers can lead by example, taking a personal interest in employees and showing them their individual situations and contributions are valued. Tactical thinking about the workspace may also facilitate connection: open-concept floor plans designed for collaboration and socializing have adversely resulted in people putting on headphones to block each other out. Instead, employers might dedicate spaces for people to interact.

As Hadley explains, employers can’t just say to workers, “Go out and make friends.” There needs to be a structure and mind-set in place to avoid workplace loneliness.