Feeling alone in a crowd? The unseen effects of workplace loneliness on well-being

A recent Harvard Business Review report found that workplace loneliness leads to lower job performance, increased stress, and even physical health issues.

A recent Harvard Business Review report found that workplace loneliness leads to lower job performance, increased stress, and even physical health issues.

Published Mar 20, 2025

Share

Most people assume loneliness happens when you're alone. But what if you feel disconnected even when you're surrounded by colleagues, emails and Zoom calls? Workplace loneliness is a growing issue, affecting productivity, mental health, and job satisfaction.

While the modern workplace is more connected than ever through technology, many employees still feel isolated.  

A recent Harvard Business Review report found that workplace loneliness leads to lower job performance, increased stress and even physical health issues.

In South Africa, where remote and hybrid work models are becoming more common, building meaningful workplace relationships has never been more crucial.

So, what does workplace loneliness look like? And, more importantly, how can you overcome it?  

Many workplaces still rely on old-fashioned methods to measure employee satisfaction, such as annual surveys, which often fail to capture the real-time struggles of their staff.  

Andrew Cook, the founder of HeadsUp, an AI-driven employee engagement platform, explains that employee engagement is fluid and impacted by everything from seasonal changes to management shifts.

"If businesses rely solely on periodic surveys, they end up chasing ghosts,” he said.  

These outdated methods mean companies often miss the warning signs of disengagement, leading to higher employee turnover.

Replacing an employee can cost up to eight times their monthly salary. And here’s something even more alarming: Gen Z employees without close friendships at work are more likely to quit than if they were experiencing burnout.  

What does workplace loneliness look like? Workplace loneliness isn’t just about eating lunch alone or feeling left out during meetings. It’s the sense of disconnection and isolation that can creep in, even in a bustling office.  

In-article Gallery Widget not supported yet.

It also isn’t just about not having work friends. It’s about feeling emotionally disconnected from your job or colleagues, even when you're physically present.

Some common signs include:  

Lack of engagement: You show up and do your work but feel detached from company culture. Minimal social interaction: You avoid lunch with colleagues, keep conversations strictly work-related and rarely attend office events.  

Feeling undervalued: Even with good performance, you feel invisible or like your contributions don’t matter. Constant exhaustion or burnout: Emotional isolation can increase stress, leading to fatigue and decreased motivation.  

According to a 2023 study by Cigna, over 50% of employees worldwide report feeling lonely at work and the effects go beyond emotional distress.

The study found that lonely employees are more likely to quit, experience higher stress levels and report lower job satisfaction.

The impact on mental health

Loneliness at work is more than just a passing feeling. It can take a serious toll on mental health. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness is linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

And when employees feel unsupported, they’re less likely to engage, innovate, or even stay with a company.  

“You’re essentially making decisions based on a point-in-time assessment that may no longer reflect reality,” Cook adds, highlighting how traditional engagement surveys fail to address these emotional complexities in real-time.  

“One of the biggest indicators of churn among employees under the age of 28 is declining levels of social connection in the workplace. If someone doesn’t have what they consider to be a good friend at work, the likelihood of them resigning within the next three to six months is much higher even than if they’re feeling burnt out,” Cook explains.

So, how can businesses address workplace loneliness and protect employee well-being?

Traditional engagement surveys may provide a general sense of how employees feel but they don’t offer the full picture.

By implementing tools like real-time engagement platforms, companies can identify problems early, reduce turnover, and create a more supportive environment.

Cook emphasises the need for proactive strategies: “If you’re not listening to your employees in real-time, you’re already at a disadvantage. Relying on outdated engagement surveys is like trying to drive forward while only looking in the rear-view mirror.”  

For employees, building meaningful relationships at work can be a game-changer. Having a “work bestie” or a trusted colleague can boost morale, reduce stress, and make even the toughest days more manageable.  

Gen Z, in particular, places a high value on workplace connections. Without these relationships, younger employees are more likely to feel disengaged and leave.  

Takeaway for employees and employers  

For employees, addressing workplace loneliness starts with small steps whether it’s reaching out to a colleague for lunch, joining team activities or voicing management concerns.  

For employers, the onus is on creating an environment where employees feel supported and connected. This means ditching outdated engagement methods, encouraging collaboration and fostering a culture of inclusion.  

After all, a happy, connected workforce isn’t just good for employees it’s good for business.