The prevalence of loneliness among workers is increasing worldwide; here are 5 strategies to address it.

Younger employees are more likely to experience loneliness at work, with one out of five employees feeling this way daily on a global scale.

The Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, released on June 12, indicates that up to 20% of employees worldwide experience daily loneliness. This is particularly true for remote workers and younger employees, with 22% and 25% experiencing loneliness, respectively.

The study found that globally, employee wellbeing decreased in 2023, with a significant decline among younger employees (under age 35). Additionally, the Gallup poll revealed that not only is the global workforce experiencing loneliness, but stress, sadness, and anger are also on the rise.

Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, expressed concern about the global decline in mental health in a report, stating that some people fear we are spiraling out of control.

He wrote that if mental health is declining during a time of progress and prosperity, it presents a paradox.

The Gallup World Poll was used to gather data for this study, which was conducted in over 160 countries and regions worldwide.

Jim Harter, the chief scientist for workplace at Gallup, stated that work significantly influences our identities, social lives, finances, health, and community involvement, as reported by CNBC Make It.

Since the pandemic hit in 2020, we've all experienced changes in our workplaces, which have resulted in some unintended consequences of flexibility and physical distance. This can lead to mental distance, as Harter pointed out.

To combat loneliness, clinical psychologist Dr. Annabelle Chow suggests the following strategies.

Understand loneliness

It is crucial to recognize that loneliness, despite the social taboo surrounding it, is a common and natural human emotion.

"According to Chow, loneliness is a natural and common emotional experience that everyone goes through. However, the way we perceive loneliness can greatly impact our response to it. If we view it negatively, our response will also be negative, which can lead to a snowball effect."

We should adopt a "balanced and neutral approach" to manage the feeling more effectively.

Determining the source of the feeling is crucial to take the next steps, as we may not be getting enough interaction or feeling seen, understood, or appreciated, even when surrounded by people.

Meaningful connections

According to Chow, a happy life is defined by significant relationships. Absent these, individuals will still feel lonely, regardless of their access to comforts.

To combat a lack of social interaction, Chow recommends putting in the effort to establish meaningful relationships with friends and colleagues. Engage in office events, approach people with an open mindset, and put yourself in situations where you can connect with others.

According to Chow, if we don't interact with people and give them a chance to understand us, we won't have anything to draw upon when times are hard, which will prevent us from developing a relationship.

Developing different types of friends is important, such as party friends, work friends, and heart-to-heart friends. It's crucial to recognize which friend to contact in specific situations.

Building relationships beforehand can help manage loneliness when it arises.

Healthy habits

"If I spent my whole weekend on the sofa doing nothing and just doom scrolling, I would inevitably feel lonely once I stopped feeling well-rested," said Chow.

Having a regular routine, such as a daily yoga class, can help alleviate loneliness by removing pockets of time that exacerbate it.

Cognitive reframing

Sometimes, the feeling of loneliness can stem from our own projections.

If I believe that you don't like me, whether it's true or not, I become more cautious and defensive, which can hinder the relationship from flourishing.

To combat this issue, Chow advised challenging and restructuring your thoughts. Instead of simply carrying the burden of assumptions, engage in open and truthful discussions.

Environment change

"I suggest stepping out of the environment that makes you feel lonely," said Chow. "When I feel lonely after spending the day alone in my room, my first action is to leave my room."

If you've been lying down all day, do the opposite by going for a walk or taking a workout class on YouTube. If you've been isolated, call family, go to lunch with friends, or engage with them on social media to help.

Chow stated that water is a remarkable strategy for self-care, which can be achieved through various activities such as taking a bath, jumping in a swimming pool, going into a jacuzzi, taking a shower, or making a drink.

Acting in the moment of loneliness can help dissipate the feeling.

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