Workplace well-being seems to be increasingly valued in society: team building to get to know colleagues, yoga sessions, flexitime to work when you are most efficient, pet access in offices, relaxation sessions… Since the lockdown, workplace well-being has become a priority for many companies, but are all these efforts effective?
In a recent report, the American site Gallup paints an unencouraging picture of the world of work: one in five employees worldwide say they feel lonely. This feeling is shared by both men and women but is particularly prevalent among employees under 35.
At the beginning of the year, a survey by Cohezio showed an increase in employee demotivation in Belgium. The reasons given were a lack of listening and recognition. However, taking an employee’s opinion into account would reduce feelings of loneliness by 39%, according to the study.
Is Remote Work to Blame?
Social isolation is also a factor in demotivation worldwide. It varies depending on the workplace and is felt by a quarter of remote workers (compared to 16% for those who work in offices and 21% for hybrid workers).
In France, one in four workers experiences loneliness in teleworking according to a study relayed by the website l’ADN. A third of employees find it more difficult to maintain relationships with colleagues remotely. The survey also suggests that employees who are on-site are seen as more efficient and influential, and therefore more likely to progress faster.
Loneliness that has consequences for physical and social health. The risk of mortality increases when there is less social contact.
In general, loneliness is more common among people who are not in work. This is the case for a third of unemployed people.
If employees find their work useful and interesting and feel fully connected to their colleagues and hierarchy, the risk of loneliness decreases by 64%, according to another American study reported by Gallup.
Additional points to consider:
- The study by Gallup found that employees who are engaged in their work are less likely to feel lonely.
- Employees who have strong relationships with their colleagues are also less likely to feel lonely.
- Companies can create a more supportive work environment by offering opportunities for employees to socialize and connect with each other.
- Managers can play a role in reducing employee loneliness by taking the time to get to know their employees and providing them with support.
Overall, workplace loneliness is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on employees’ health and well-being. Companies and managers can take steps to create a more supportive work environment and reduce the risk of employee loneliness.
