Loneliness at work – in the pandemic era – PsychoPuli I.

Admin • 2022.03.01

The health hazards of loneliness – it’s one of the hot topics in scientific journals. These effects do not spare work environments either, and COVID has only exacerbated the situation. In the first part of our new series on mental health, PsychoPuli, we deal with this topic.

The collective trauma the pandemic has caused in the history of mankind is hardly clear yet. But it undoubtedly has brought fundamental changes in our relationships, and it has redefined the meaning of ’loneliness’ and ’isolation’.

However, most adults were mainly affected by the changes and constraints on the work front. Many people became unemployed, others had to adapt to completely new frameworks. Wherever possible, home office and online meetings have become the new norm. The new reality often lacked a relaxed home environment, as many families have had to stay at home. Mom would like to work, Dad would like to work, but the kids seek attention and would also like to learn from home – these situations were extremely stressful.

Stay home – a blessing and a curse

In addition, we had to deal with the ambivalence that working from home is not the worst case scenario. Those who live alone have lost access to their social network, the feeling of community from their colleagues and friends. Due to the lockdowns people had to minimize the personal encounters or shrink it into virtual spaces – well, that’s just not the same. No wonder that soon after the first shock experts began to talk about the threat of the coronavirus being not solely a physical illness: isolation and loneliness is also harmful to health.

Researchers began to study the psychological effects of the pandemic as early as 2020 with comprehensive surveys. In these studies depression, anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also showed outstanding values. Scientists soon started to focus more strategically on loneliness and isolation. A 2020 study found that the adverse effects of loneliness on physical health are almost identical to the effects of obesity, or smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. This, and a number of other studies, have further highlighted that young people, especially Generation Z, as well as women in general, are at higher risk of loneliness and anxiety. Besides that, several surveys have shown that time spent on social media platforms increases these dangers.

Loneliness at work

The loneliness you experience about the workplace is mostly about the lack of quality conversation, personal discussion among the colleagues. The quality and quantity of workplace interactions and relationships are also important factors, none of which can fully replace the other. For example it is not enough if someone has many colleagues to  regularly talk to, if that communication is superficial and distant. And vice versa: if someone has one or two really close colleagues, they can help to minimize workplace loneliness, but if they lack connection, behave remotely, they experience loneliness.

Humans are social beings, this sounds like a cliché, but we still cannot emphasize enough that this must be considered while organizing work.

The workplace is not only a place of production, but also a community where we spend a significant amount of our time.

It is clearly not the task of the managers only to socialize the colleagues – as it is a responsibility that every member of the team needs to feel and act. But still, employers must empower and create an environment to connect informally, and not only through shared tasks and projects. At least if they want a strong, committed team where turnover isn’t too high.

Why is that? Because a strong work community and atmosphere are almost as important to many in a decision-making situation about a possible change, as the size of the paycheck or the nature of fringe benefits.

Social contacts at work are also essential for the operation of companies. A study from 2009 showed that good working relationships not only have a positive effect on job satisfaction, commitment and motivation, but also contribute to easier decision-making, knowledge accumulation, and innovation. In other words, a company where communities are stronger performs better.

What should we do about loneliness at work?

Many companies have been working hard since the first months of COVID to provide an opportunity to maintain a team spirit and a community experience in the workplace. Although they cannot provide such a powerful experience as face-to-face encounters or time spent together in the office, one should not underestimate the role of technology in combating loneliness at work.

Informal online meetings that aren’t about work are essential to maintain team spirit. It is important while working remotely for all participants to attend and turn on cameras. See each other, even if only via video. In addition, it is important that these events are facilitated, guide the topics give a word to all participants.

The role of online team-building initiatives, and with the alleviation of the epidemic situation, regular personal community experiences and team-building programs is greater than ever. It is also important that team building should be truly team building: programs that introduce team members to each other and bring them closer together, not just having fun within the clique. 

A gamified challenge for a common goal in teams does a lot against loneliness. The key lies in the actual involvement of colleagues, so it’s important to be aware of their needs, what programs would actually serve integration into the social network and building relationships with co-workers.

Team efforts against workplace loneliness

As the importance of healthcare has increased in the post-pandemic era, so has the substantial of corporate health initiatives. Many companies are looking for solutions – and they must! – against loneliness at work. These acts strengthen workplace communities while also having a positive impact on individual health awareness.

Technology can help a lot in this area: health-enhancing applications, for example, allow users to interact not only with each other, but with health professionals or self-help groups. Holistic wellbeing programs emphasize not only the physical but also the mental health and social connections of their users.

We have partners from both SMEs and various companies who, even in the first phase of the epidemic, have tackled the isolation of their employees with online community initiatives such as step-collecting or cycling challenges,- enjoying the positive effects of these programs ever since.

Whether you are thinking of a comprehensive health program or a health-focused community initiative, at Fitpuli we have personalized solutions for you. Get in touch, we are happy to help!