There is a loneliness epidemic, according to United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. In an advisory issued by the surgeon general, Murthy identifies loneliness as a major health issue in America, with about one-in-two adults experiencing perceived isolation or inadequate meaningful connections.
To address this epidemic, he proposes a national framework to rebuild social connections and a better sense of community in America, including the workplace. In the report, Murthy said the “harmful consequences” of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our workplaces, where “performance, productivity and engagement are diminished.” Moreover, stress-related absenteeism attributed to loneliness costs U.S. employers an estimated $154 billion annually.
The surgeon general calls upon leaders to prioritize social connections, implement programs to foster strong relationships and create positive and inclusive work environments.
Social Connection Necessary For Survival
The lack of social connection poses a significant risk to your physical and mental health and emotional well-being. Some of the most common consequences include increased risk of heart disease (29%) and stroke (32%). It is also associated with an increased risk for dementia, depression, anxiety and suicide, according to the surgeon general.
Loneliness and social isolation increase the likelihood of a shorter life expectancy by 26% and 29% respectively, the health equivalent of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Additionally, lacking social connection may make you more prone to viruses and respiratory illness.
Loneliness profoundly affects your health and well-being because humans are hardwired for social connectivity, despite modern technological advancements—automation and food delivery and streaming applications—that allows you to forego human interaction. Belongingness is as paramount to survival as food, water and shelter.
Why Are People Feeling Less Connected?
There are many reasons why loneliness is on the rise. Some of the most common factors include increased social isolation as people are spending more time alone than ever, the ascendancy of addictive technology, the increasing number of single-person households and the decline of traditional community institutions. Additionally, trust in each other and large institutions is at near-historic lows.
In the workplace, there is a level of distress caused by the lack of connection to co-workers, managers and the organization itself. Working remotely caused people to lose touch with their work “spouses” and friends.
How To Tackle The Loneliness Epidemic
In light of the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, leaders have an opportunity, and an obligation, to address social connection in the workplace.
What Workplaces Can Do
• Prioritize social connection in the workplace at all levels.
• Train and empower managers to promote workplace belonging and implement initiatives that foster connection.
• Educate the workforce on the significance of social connection for workplace well-being, health, productivity, performance and retention.
• Cultivate a workplace culture that allows people to connect.
• Implement organizational policies that protect workers’ ability to nurture their relationships outside of work, including respecting boundaries while workers are off the clock and advocating for caregivers
• Acknowledge the pros and cons of flexible work hours and arrangements and how they can impact employees’ abilities to connect.
• Apply these qualities equitably across the workforce.
Benefits of Strong Social Connections In The Workplace
Fostering strong social relationships in the workplace bolsters job satisfaction, creativity, competence and better job performance. Belongingness helps prevent chronic stress in the workplace and employee burnout. Workers will miss less work when they feel a stronger sense of connectivity. They are more empowered to innovate and engage, and their quality of work will reflect that.
Source: Forbes
