Loneliness is the focus of mental health week this year, and it prompted our director Claire Gray, as an employer to look at workplace loneliness. Something that has grown over the pandemic and the increasing work from home culture that was forced upon us and now increasingly adopted as part of many organisations working patterns. Below Claire shares her thoughts on this.
Workplace loneliness is a growing challenge, impacting employee wellbeing and productivity. Mental Health Week highlights the importance of addressing this issue through open conversations and fostering connection.
Organisations can use this time to reassess workplace culture, promote inclusivity, and implement initiatives that reduce isolation, such as encouraging collaboration and providing mental health support. By prioritising connection and community, businesses can create healthier, more inclusive environments where employees feel valued and supported.
Understanding Workplace Loneliness
Workplace loneliness is a growing concern in today’s professional environment, exacerbated by remote work, increased workloads, and a lack of meaningful connections. It is the emotional feeling of being isolated or disconnected despite being surrounded by colleagues. This can happen due to poor communication, limited social interaction, or a workplace culture that doesn’t foster inclusivity.
Loneliness doesn’t only affect employees working remotely; it can also manifest in office environments where individuals feel undervalued, overlooked, or excluded from team dynamics. Recognising the signs of loneliness—such as withdrawal, reduced collaboration, or diminished enthusiasm—can be the first step in addressing this issue effectively.
By addressing loneliness proactively, organisations can not only improve employee wellbeing but also foster a more collaborative and productive environment.
How to Avoid Workplace Loneliness
One of the six values we have at Bain and Gray is inclusion. This is because it is essential to every aspect of our business, in the way we source and recruit candidates, to the way we work as a team and operate as a company.
Small steps can make big differences:
Assessing the Current Workplace Environment
See who is in the background, who isn’t coming forward, who needs including and bringing into the company.
Encouraging Open Communication and Collaboration
Bring your teams together, collaborate with ideas and encourage discussions – everyone should have a voice and feel their opinions matter.
Building Teams with Shared Goals
Teams are so important in companies, mixed abilities, skills and views make for a rich and successful team with a common and clear end goal and direction.
Promoting Social Interactions and Relationships
This seems obvious, but good relationships at work are key to workplace happiness. Bring teams and different groups within the company together socially as well as in the work place – a carefully thought through fun day or evening out can build really fantastic and long standing friendships and cohesiveness within a company.
Take an Interest in People's Lives
Asking how someone’s weekend was, or what they are doing after work, can open up all sorts of insights and interests that your colleagues may have. It is important to know the whole person and their lives outside work. It may throw up common interests and new friendships. Being interested is everything.
Remember the Little Things
Always, everyone notices the little things and they matter just as much as the grand gestures – daily care and consideration is small but so important. As well as small kind acts, including noticing a kindness or help with a ‘thank you that was really helpful’ makes people feel valued and included.
Recognising and Addressing Employee Exhaustion
Encourage holidays when your team are tired – exhausted people retreat from work, they wilt under pressure and are likely not to make decisions.
Supporting Remote and Hybrid Workers
In this hybrid working world don’t forget your virtual colleagues – communicate, stay in touch, include everyone – all are important to the happy workplace.
The Importance of Inclusion in the Workplace
Creating an inclusive workplace culture is crucial for combating loneliness and supporting employees’ mental health. Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging where individuals feel valued and supported, regardless of their role or working environment.
Implementing strategies to encourage connection—such as team-building activities, open communication channels, and mentorship programs—can help bridge gaps and create a more cohesive workforce. Regularly checking in with employees, particularly those in remote or hybrid roles, is another vital step.
Ultimately, inclusion isn’t just about improving individual experiences; it strengthens the organisation as a whole. When employees feel connected and supported, they are more engaged, motivated, and productive, contributing to the company’s long-term success. Prioritising inclusion is not just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic advantage.
