Recognizing and coping with loneliness in the workplace context
Objectives:
Loneliness manifests itself as an unpleasant feeling that arises when social relationships are perceived as inadequate. While temporary loneliness can be helpful, permanent loneliness is associated with mental and physical illness. As some causes and effects can also be found in the workplace context, companies should address the issue.
Method:
A systematic literature search was conducted to identify both scientific and practice-orientated publications on dealing with loneliness in the workplace context.
Results:
Many people spend a large proportion of their time at work, which therefore offers ideal conditions for raising awareness of the issue and taking preventative action. At present, however, loneliness still seems to be little known in German companies, although there are few reliable studies on the subject. Even if loneliness is not caused solely by the company, there are targeted measures available to protect employees so that they do not become lonely and to support those already affected with offers of help. Various approaches to prevention, early detection, and intervention for those affected by loneliness are presented, which can be applied in the workplace context.
Conclusions:
Loneliness must be understood as a shared task that can affect everyone and for which everyone can take joint responsibility. Although politicians are already looking for solutions, the issue should also be given greater attention in the world of work. It is important to establish the workplace as a social place that may serve as a resource for social relationships and at the same time offers opportunities for prevention and intervention.
