the still-ongoing COVID-19 pandemic begins to factor into the equation , such as in responses to Cigna ’ s 2020 survey data , an even more concerning landscape of loneliness emerges .
For all 11 statements that were used to calculate an individual ’ s overall loneliness score in the most recent 2020 survey , researchers noted a statistically significant increase from the 2018 results . For example , participants who reported feeling like no one knew them rose four points , to 58 percent . Around half ( 49 percent ) felt like they “ sometimes ” or “ always ” lacked companionship ( up from 43 percent ).
The impact of loneliness is especially insidious when it ’ s persistent . As Psychologist Louise Hawkley , PhD , a senior research scientist at the University of Chicago ’ s research organization explains ,“ Chronic loneliness is most likely to set in when individuals either don ’ t have the emotional , mental or financial resources to get out and satisfy their social needs or they lack a social circle that can provide these benefits . That ’ s when things can become very problematic , and when many of the major negative health consequences of loneliness can set in .”
While the workplace can ’ t serve as a complete solution for the loneliness many people are experiencing , spa owners and operators do have an opportunity to help tackle this issue head-on . In addition to prioritizing physical health and safety practices that mitigate the risk of COVID-19 for staff , clients and the broader community , it ’ s clear that addressing the mental health impact of the pandemic needs to remain a top priority as well .
The Role of the Workplace in Loneliness Prevention While meaningful workplace relationships can ’ t close the loneliness gap in its entirety , organizations can take a leading role in fighting back against employee isolation . According to OC Tanner ’ s 2022 Global Culture Report ,“ 61 percent of employees said the workplace is where they form most of their new friendships .” Of further interest , respondents also credited their workplace social group as what inspires them to do their best work . This means that not only can meaningful relationships and support systems stave off loneliness in employees , but they can also drive motivation and performance , too .
It makes sense , then , that when employees feel less connected to their workplace , culture and purpose , the likelihood of producing great work falls by 90 percent , while the probability of burnout and turnover drastically increase .
Writing for the American Psychological Association , Amy Novotney explains ,“ Loneliness is defined by people ’ s levels of satisfaction with their connectedness , or their perceived social isolation .” This means that while loneliness can occur even when people are surrounded by others , the workplace can play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for meaningful connection and reducing social isolation overall .
Fostering Workplace Connections Loneliness may be widespread , but fortunately it isn ’ t an unsolvable challenge . The antidote to workplace loneliness is social fulfillment — meaningful , high-quality connections between employees . Writing for Harvard Business Review , Constance Noonan Hadley focuses the lens on what characterizes an optimal workplace relationship : “ Jane Dutton and her colleagues at the University of Michigan ’ s Center for Positive Organizations characterize high-quality connections as those based on empathy and interdependence .”
Yet before these types of relationships can even emerge , employees have to feel psychologically safe in their workplace . In practice , this looks like an environment where staff is encouraged to ask questions , share ideas ,
HEALTH IMPACTS OF LONELINESS *
● Loneliness increases an individual ’ s mortality risk to 26 percent ( comparable to more well-known risk factors , such as smoking ).
● Loneliness is associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease and stroke .
● Loneliness increases the risk of high blood pressure .
● Lonely individuals are more prone to depression .
● Loneliness puts individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia .
● Loneliness and low social interaction are predictive of suicide in older age .
● Loneliness and isolation are associated with worsening cognitive function among older adults .
* Data from Campaign to End Loneliness
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022 ■ PULSE 53