WX trends: Why workplace loneliness is a business problem

Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts, and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.

We’re increasingly connected digitally, but are we truly connected at work? 

In this WX trends, we take a look at the rise of workplace loneliness, how it’s affecting businesses, and what leaders can do to build a more connected and supportive environment for their teams.

When disconnection impacts the bottom line

Gartner has identified workplace loneliness as one of the top nine future of work trends for 2025. And they’re not just talking about employee wellbeing – they’re saying it’s a full-blown business risk. When people feel lonely, they’re less likely to be engaged and productive. 

Gartner suggests taking a proactive approach by actively guiding employee collaboration. It’s about identifying key collaboration needs and creating a more human-centric workplace. Their research shows that organizations that do this hit their profit goals 10% more often than those that don’t.

“Instead of viewing loneliness as a personal issue that employees need to ‘get over,’ it’s time for organizations to recognize their role in creating a sense of community,” says Holly Grogan, Chief Experience Officer at Appspace. 

“The data clearly shows that simply bringing people together in an office doesn’t solve the problem. We need to be more thoughtful about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels like they belong. And I think having the right tools in place – specifically employee communications solutions – is critical.”

Who’s feeling lonely? The demographics of disconnection

It’s not just the folks working from home who are feeling the loneliness pinch. Gallup research paints a pretty clear picture: a whopping 20% of employees worldwide are grappling with workplace loneliness. Younger workers (under 35) and those working fully remote seem to be particularly affected.

Now, here’s the good news: meaningful work can be an antidote to loneliness. When people feel engaged and connected to their work and their team, those feelings of isolation tend to fade.

Interestingly, Gallup found that having a best friend at work, while a plus, isn’t as powerful as overall engagement in combating loneliness. It seems like when we’re truly absorbed in our work, we’re less likely to feel isolated.

This underscores the importance of creating a workplace where people feel valued and connected. A recent KPMG survey drives this point home: most professionals said that having friends at work made them feel more engaged (83%), more satisfied with their jobs (81%), and more connected to their company (80%).

Debunking myths and finding solutions to workplace loneliness

Let’s face it, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about workplace loneliness. Luckily, a Harvard Business Review article tackles this persistent problem, debunking common myths:

• Myth #1: It’s a remote work problem. While remote workers might report higher levels of loneliness, it’s not the whole story. Things like social opportunities and personality play a big role too.

• Myth #2: Teams are the magic cure. Just because you put people in teams doesn’t mean they’ll automatically connect. In fact, it can sometimes even make loneliness worse.

• Myth #3: It’s a personal failing. Wrong. Loneliness can strike anyone, regardless of how social they are.

• Myth #4: It’s a “them” problem. The reality is, the workplace environment itself has a huge impact on whether people feel connected or isolated.

So, what can organizations do? Here are some practical tips from HBR:

• Get a handle on the problem: Use a tool like the Work Loneliness Scale to see how your company is doing.

• Give people time to connect: Make sure there’s space in the workday for those water cooler moments (even if it’s a virtual water cooler).

• Build a culture of connection: Create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

• Make socializing a regular thing: Weave social activities into the workday to show that connection matters.

• Keep it simple: Think communal lunches, informal chats, and after-work gatherings.

• Don’t forget about remote workers: Make sure they have plenty of opportunities to connect too.

• Reach out: Encourage those who might be feeling lonely to participate in social activities.

“Combating workplace loneliness requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual and organizational factors,” says Grogan. “By fostering a culture of connection, providing opportunities for social interaction, and promoting employee engagement, companies can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and truly connected.”