A recent Gallup poll revealed that 1 in 5 workers worldwide experience feelings of loneliness, with the number rising to 1 in 4 among fully remote employees. The prevalence of loneliness among remote workers has been a growing trend, highlighted by a Bright Horizons survey that found over 40% of fully remote working parents not leaving their homes for days at a time. While some argue for a full return to the office to combat this issue, hybrid and remote work are here to stay. It is now up to employers to address this loneliness crisis and foster community and connection among their workforce, regardless of their location.
Here are three steps that leaders can take to tackle the remote worker loneliness crisis without mandating a return to the office.
Establish ERGs
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have proven to be effective in building connections among employees, with over 65% of ERG members surveyed by McKinsey citing them as effective in fostering community. ERGs provide safe spaces for open dialogue, enabling genuine connections among employees. By reducing mental health stigma and creating a safe environment, ERGs play a crucial role in combating employee loneliness.
In my organization, ERGs focused on allyship, grief, LGBTQIA+ employees, faith groups, and more provide spaces for employees to discuss their identities, experiences, and current events. Encouraging open dialogue on various topics helps employees feel more connected to each other and the company.
Foster casual conversations
Companies can promote informal interactions among employees through dedicated Slack or Microsoft Teams channels for shared interests and hobbies. Creating mental health channels and location-based meet-up channels can also help employees connect and engage in casual conversations.
Employers can offer a variety of activities with different engagement levels to appeal to all employees. For example, hosting optional coffee chat open houses and team-building activities can encourage employees to connect with their colleagues. Providing flexible opportunities to connect is essential in combating loneliness among remote workers.
Offer flexible opportunities to connect
As remote work continues to be prevalent, leaders must ensure that employees are supported regardless of their location. Creating spaces for employees to connect, providing resources for mental health, and fostering meaningful workplace connections are crucial in reducing workplace loneliness.
Rohshann Pilla is the President of Aquent Talent, a leader in talent and recruiting for marketing, creative, and design. She leads a team in developing innovative talent delivery solutions for Fortune 100 clients that help propel the business forward.
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