'It's a brilliant idea': Airbnb's CEO combats loneliness in the workplace.

Loneliness is becoming increasingly common among Americans, particularly in work settings. According to Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, there is a straightforward solution to this issue.

A 2023 Glassdoor report found that six out of ten individuals with less than five years of work experience experience loneliness all or most of the time. The report also revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted workers' social lives, with one in four people stating that companies are now more antisocial than they used to be.

Chesky advised putting two employees who work well together on the same team, as he stated on Adam Grant's "ReThinking" podcast.

"I frequently pair individuals," Chesky stated. "Four years ago, we hired two creative directors who collaborated as a duo. Their success inspired me to consider the concept of duos in other areas."

Considering individuals' work approaches and extracurricular interests can aid in pairing them up for teamwork. A highly practical thinker may struggle to collaborate with a hyper-creative worker, while someone with similar extracurricular interests may be more likely to hit it off.

In Chesky's case, what began as a productivity technique evolved into something greater.

""Creating duos can help individuals overcome the challenges of being a unicorn and cover each other's strengths. Sharing a journey together is crucial, as it is a brilliant idea," he said."

'We've overlooked the importance of relationships'

A 2018 Wharton study found that work friendships positively impact employee morale, productivity, and overall success.

"According to Grant, having one friend at work can significantly reduce the likelihood of loneliness. What struck him most was the realization that he didn't need to have a deep connection with everyone on his team. Instead, he needed one person he could rely on, who relied on him as well."

He argued that while we have focused a lot on teamwork, we should not neglect the significance of pair relationships.

Pairs in the workplace have three distinct benefits, Grant said:

1. An easier time coordinating and collaborating in the workplace
2. You could have a "work-life balance dividend" because someone could cover for you when you're away from work or need a break.
3. A sense of belonging and camaraderie at work everyday

Friendships in the workplace require a different approach than those in other areas of life. Maintaining discretion can be challenging when you are close with a colleague, and tensions could arise if one friend is promoted and expected to manage the other, as Glassdoor chief economist Aaron Terrazas explained to CNBC Make It last year.

How to cultivate workplace friendships

You don't have to wait for your boss to assign you a designated partner or work friend; you can actively seek and develop those relationships on your own.

According to Marisa G. Franco, a psychologist and professor at the University of Maryland, office friendships often begin with casual conversations and there are specific phrases that can help initiate these interactions with colleagues.

""Being asked for opinions activates the brain's reward centers and sends the signal that you value someone's opinion," Franco wrote for Make It last year."

Her suggestions involve providing a sincere compliment on something like shoes or nails, and asking open-ended questions such as "How do you feel about..." or "Do you have any suggestions for..."

"Asking about a book, hobby, or movie they enjoyed recently can inspire you to follow up next time you see them. Their recommendation can lead to a conversation about a shared interest, such as a podcast episode they enjoyed. You can ask, 'Oh, I listened to that podcast! Thanks again for suggesting it. I loved the episode on _____, but I have to know what you thought about ______?'"

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