Social isolation and loneliness, currently of epidemic proportion, affect physical and psychological wellbeing. This is a major public health challenge that is also adversely impacting employees, employers and workplaces everywhere.
Productivity, engagement, psychological and physical safety are driven by collaboration and social connection . For these reasons, tackling loneliness in the workplace will be a key priority for 2026.
Drawing on contemporary research that considers the escalating challenge of loneliness in the workplace, in this session, Jane Eldridge and Lorraine Cherney discuss loneliness at work. They discuss predictive factors, patterns and actions to mitigate loneliness risks.
They also consider younger workers who are more vulnerable to social isolation and ask what we can learn from them about engagement in the workplace.