How to conquer loneliness in the workplace

Loneliness has been a hot topic in the news since a commission started by the late MP Jo Cox began investigating this nationwide epidemic. Several studies in the past have shown that loneliness at work can have a negative effect on staff productivity and engagement. If you’re feeling isolated in your job, here are some easy tips that can help you get on the path to conquering the symptoms.

Start a conversation
Remember that communication is a two-way street; if you find yourself wondering why nobody in your office talks to you, be the one to get the conversation started. Ask your colleagues how they are every day and eventually they’ll start returning the favour.

Choose face-to-face over digital
Instead of sending an email your co-worker who sits a few desks away, get up and go ask your question in person if you’ve got the time, or pick up the phone if not. When you work in the same office, sometimes it saves time by having a quick meeting or catching up over your tea break rather than sending multiple messages back and forth.

Get involved
Is there a book club or group of colleagues that go out for lunch once a week? Ask if you can join them. If these outlets don’t exist, try to start your own and invite all of your co-workers. You’ll probably find a few of them feel the same loneliness and needed somebody to be the force for change.

Push for team building
If your company doesn’t already organise team-building activities, make a business case for doing so. Contrary to popular belief, team building doesn’t always have to be a forced day out of the office in which you all stand around performing trust falls. A fun time can go a long way to creating a collaborative atmosphere at work and reducing loneliness.