FROM OUR CEO

Loneliness is a Fight for Your Leadership

May 24th, 2023 | From our CEO

Loneliness in the workplace is spreading like a virus. Today, more than 60% of Americans feel lonely in the workplace. It is an epidemic with enormous human consequences that should make every leader do more than only raise the eyebrows. Research shows that the impact of loneliness on mortality equals the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The health consequences include:

  • Loneliness increases risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Loneliness increases risk of depression
  • Loneliness shortens lifespan

We Need a ‘Non-Loneliness Policy’ in Organizations

Workplaces should care. In fact, I think the negative health consequences call for a new type of policy in Organizations. A policy on non-loneliness – just like we have non-smoking policies in almost all companies by now.

If we fail to address loneliness, we will face consequences, which all have a clear financial impact:

  • Worsened team performance
  • Diminishing productivity
  • Faster employee turnover

Is the Rise in Remote Work a Symptom of Loneliness?

The rise of remote and hybrid work has led to office hours schedules based on gut feeling. This leads to not only an increase of loneliness but lower team performance and productivity.

Recently, an article stated that 57% of the US workforce by 2028 will be freelancers. Many of them working remotely from their private homes. A movement driven by the desire for autonomy and flexibility, but probably also a movement towards even more loneliness.

You are 30 times More Likely to Laugh in a Group

Humans need to feel a sense of togetherness, and I do believe the workplace has a responsibility to secure this.

We need workplaces, where we can chit chat, and have a sense of connectivity with others. Where we can laugh and smile. And did you know that you are 30 times more likely to laugh, when you are together with others? We all need a good laugh. Especially when we work. Laughter releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. And it creates a bond. The bond we need to feel togetherness.

In the perfect world, we would combine our need for autonomy and flexibility with an environment build on togetherness.

What You Need To Do as a Leader – Today and Tomorrow!

It is time for leaders to step up to the challenge, You can and should start TODAY!

8 steps to fight loneliness in the workplace

If you are already there, then join the discussion on LinkedIn. We need leaders to share these stories!

FROM OUR CEO

Loneliness is a Fight for Your Leadership

May 24th, 2023 | From our CEO

Loneliness in the workplace is spreading like a virus. Today, more than 60% of Americans feel lonely in the workplace. It is an epidemic with enormous human consequences that should make every leader do more than only raise the eyebrows. Research shows that the impact of loneliness on mortality equals the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The health consequences include:

  • Loneliness increases risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Loneliness increases risk of depression
  • Loneliness shortens lifespan

We Need a ‘Non-Loneliness Policy’ in Organizations

Workplaces should care. In fact, I think the negative health consequences call for a new type of policy in Organizations. A policy on non-loneliness – just like we have non-smoking policies in almost all companies by now.

If we fail to address loneliness, we will face consequences, which all have a clear financial impact:

  • Worsened team performance
  • Diminishing productivity
  • Faster employee turnover

Is the Rise in Remote Work a Symptom of Loneliness?

The rise of remote and hybrid work has led to office hours schedules based on gut feeling. This leads to not only an increase of loneliness but lower team performance and productivity.

Recently, an article stated that 57% of the US workforce by 2028 will be freelancers. Many of them working remotely from their private homes. A movement driven by the desire for autonomy and flexibility, but probably also a movement towards even more loneliness.

You are 30 times More Likely to Laugh in a Group

Humans need to feel a sense of togetherness, and I do believe the workplace has a responsibility to secure this.

We need workplaces, where we can chit chat, and have a sense of connectivity with others. Where we can laugh and smile. And did you know that you are 30 times more likely to laugh, when you are together with others? We all need a good laugh. Especially when we work. Laughter releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. And it creates a bond. The bond we need to feel togetherness.

In the perfect world, we would combine our need for autonomy and flexibility with an environment build on togetherness.

What You Need To Do as a Leader – Today and Tomorrow!

It is time for leaders to step up to the challenge, You can and should start TODAY!

8 steps to fight loneliness in the workplace

If you are already there, then join the discussion on LinkedIn. We need leaders to share these stories!

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2023-05-30T09:41:13+01:00From our CEO|
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