Employees are increasingly lonely as they do so much of their work virtually. Mark Leisegang explores how employers can use technology to help teams connect and communicate more effectively?
The paradox of modern working is harder to ignore. This week, 9-15 June, is Loneliness Awareness Week. Even though technology is designed to help us connect, it can sometimes make people feel more alone than ever.
It’s possible to feel lonely despite being “always-on” with AI-driven workflows, virtual meetings, and constant digital notifications. Gallup’s report 2024 The State of the Global Workplace found that one in five employees worldwide report feeling lonely.
Cigna’s research found that lonely workers are 54% more likely than others to leave their job, resulting in higher turnover costs.
The Economics of Mutuality Alliance, the University of Manchester and a Report concluded last month that 44% of the people in the world are moderately or very lonely.
Researchers described loneliness as not only an individual experience but a social and economic problem that requires systemic changes.
How can we use technology to combat loneliness in the workplace?
Connected, but lonely
When used correctly, technology can be a powerful tool in improving the workplace experience. In too many instances, technology is used to replace, rather than enhance, human interaction.
Digital tools have revolutionised the way we work. They have enabled more flexible working, quicker decision-making and greater access information. They’ve made it easier to avoid meaningful connections with people, even when they’re needed the most.
Since 2020, the remote work makes isolation seem normal and even comfortable. Even naturally social employees have become accustomed to working in silos. Many employees, even those who are naturally social, have adapted to a more siloed way of working.
When technology is used as a crutch, rather than an effective tool, the social fabric within teams can be silently undermined.
Technology is not a barrier, but a bridge
We are passionate about using technology to improve workplaces. We believe that technology should be used in a way to bring people together, and not separate them. Leaders can benefit from rethinking how technology is used in teams. It should not be seen as a substitute for human interaction but rather as a complementary tool.
We held a series of discussions at our Insights live events in 2024 about how to balance virtual cooperation with human interaction. It’s not about going back to the old office model. Instead, it’s about creating workplaces that are centered around people and not platforms. Here are some strategies to help you:
Create moments to connect with people beyond the screen. In-person moments, whether it is a regular check-in or a team-building activity, can help build trust, inspire creativity, and strengthen relationships.
Encourage people to step outside their comfort zone (gently). Activities such as cross-team projects or public speaking can be used to re-establish interpersonal confidence. They don’t have to be stressful – they just need to be designed thoughtfully to encourage positive interactions.
Encourage mindful disconnection. Just being online 24/7 does not mean that we should. Encourage your team to take advantage of flexible working hours, not only for productivity but also for rest and personal wellness – all without feeling guilty about missing a single ping.
Culture of belonging
Although technology plays a part, culture is what really connects people. People feel lonely when they don’t believe that they are seen, heard or valued. This is a leadership problem, not a technology issue. The first step is to create a culture in which relationships are as important as results. Gallup research, for example, shows that employees who have a “bestfriend” at work are 7 times more likely than others to be engaged.
Managers can’t force friends to be close, but they can help create an environment where friendships are more likely. Simple measures like team lunches and unstructured conversation time can make a big difference.
A powerful tool for teams is collective self-awareness. Understanding how people come across and how others see them can help reduce miscommunications, increase empathy and build trust.
It’s important to be sensitive when approaching this. These conversations can be disastrous if they are not structured or supported. They may lead to misunderstandings and feelings of isolation.
“This is about creating workplaces that are centered around people and not platforms.”
We advocate the use of well-designed frameworks and tools that guide these discussions with psychological safety as a priority. These exercises, when done correctly, help teams understand each other and themselves, resulting in deeper, more authentic work relationships.
Time is one of the many opportunities that technology has brought us. We’ve gained valuable hours by automating repetitive tasks or streamlining them. What are we doing with all that time?
It’s often redirected directly into productivity metrics. What if you invested some of that time in mentorship, informal network, team learning or just chatting to a colleague? The return on investment in terms of engagement, trust and wellbeing is often far greater than the cost.
Connected Future
Work doesn’t need to be lonely in the future. It takes deliberate design to create spaces that make people feel truly connected. Organisations can reduce workplace loneliness by embracing technology with care, using it as a tool to enhance relationships rather than replace them, and creating an inclusive and empathetic culture.
We must not accept a workplace that is highly efficient but emotionally empty. Let’s create a workplace where people can feel supported and seen. Connection is not an extravagance – it’s fundamental to meaningful work.
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