Nearly 20 years ago, Robert Putman identified a growing trend in his book, Bowling Alone. U.S. adults were interacting less with other people in their personal lives. Since the COVID-​19 pandemic, U.S. adults feel increasingly isolated which brings aspects of work and mental health into question.

Managers: Reduce Employee Loneliness for Great Work and Mental Health

These days, many U.S. adults no longer participate in activities such as bowling or church, which were enjoyed by previous generations. And now, they no longer have a close connection with co-​workers. It’s not a coincidence that the U.S. Surgeon General Murthy has warned that the increased “lack of social connectedness” has a negative impact on our health.

Researchers report that employee isolation and loneliness is impacting productivity. For many of us, the work experience means staring at a computer screen for most of the day. We may also chat with co-​workers on video calls. 

But that level of interaction isn’t satisfying.

What Are Employers Doing?

New research shows that employers are aware of this issue and are calling workers back to the office. The aspects of work and mental health improvement aren’t the only reasons for these summons. A significant number of employers have committed to long-​term leases on office space.

Leaders also believe that employees who work in the office are more productive. And there’s the hope that in-​person collaboration will generate creativity.

Employees often are not on board with a full return to the office. They have to face grinding commutes and the chaos of child and elder care coverage. And they typically point out that they are more productive when working remote.

But research shows the small details of office life make a difference in employee attitudes. “Office chitchat…seems to provide more benefits than many people realize,” reports a researcher in a Wall Street Journal article. These encounters allow employees to get to know each other.

These light acquaintances can be sufficient to help employees feel engaged and committed. For other employees, having a best friend at work is critical. According to Gallup, employees with “besties” at work feel more connected to their employer and “get more done in less time.”

Is Hybrid a Solution?

Employers and employees continue to tussle over “return to office” topics. Our research indicates that 28% of sales professionals would stay with a firm that allows them to work remote. What is the optimal amount of time that employees should spend at the office for work and mental health benefits?

Analysts have measured the correlation between employees who feel connected and in-​person work. Working at the office for three days a week appears to offer the best outcomes. These findings indicate employers can provide a beneficial work environment for team members without requiring five-​day on-​site presence.

Empathetic Managers

Simply mandating a return to the office will not move the needle in terms of employee satisfaction. Forward-​thinking employers are creating physical spaces for team members to gather or interact. Whether it’s the break room or the picnic table, employees enjoy chatting for a few minutes.

Company culture can and does evolve on its own. But managers can help to guide culture, especially when it comes to team member interaction. They can start the process of change in meetings.

Nobody wants to spend more time in meetings, but they represent an opportunity for connection. Managers can continue the practice started during the pandemic. They can begin meetings by asking each participant to share something positive.

These nonthreatening exchanges allow team members to reveal only what they want. And they also allow employees to get to know each other.

It may also be a good idea for managers to survey team members to learn about common interests. In addition, reviewing psychometric assessments to understand the type of work environments preferred by team members is important. With this information, managers can appoint employees with the right interest levels to leadership roles.

Leaders who take these steps can count on great work and mental health benefits.

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