A recent report reveals that one in five employees worldwide experience daily loneliness, urging a global call to action.
- Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report highlights global loneliness among employees, with significant variations across regions.
- Loneliness is more prevalent among younger employees and those working remotely, impacting mental health and productivity.
- Employment and workplace engagement can decrease loneliness, necessitating employer intervention and cultural awareness.
- Effective health and wellbeing support mechanisms must be implemented to combat loneliness and promote employee engagement.
A recent report has identified that 20% of employees globally suffer from daily loneliness, a pressing issue that necessitates action from employers. Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace” report provides key insights into this phenomenon, revealing stark regional disparities in loneliness levels. These findings call for employers worldwide to implement health and wellbeing support measures to mitigate this growing concern.
According to the report, loneliness affects employees differently across various regions. Notably, South Asia experiences the highest loneliness levels at 29%, followed by sub-Saharan Africa at 26%, and the Middle East and North Africa at 23%. Conversely, Australia and New Zealand report the lowest incidence at 13%. These geographical differences highlight the need for culturally sensitive approaches to addressing loneliness in the workplace.
The issue of loneliness is notably prevalent among younger employees, with 22% of individuals under the age of 35 reporting feelings of loneliness compared to 19% of those over 35. Additionally, remote workers experience higher loneliness rates at 25%, in contrast to 16% among onsite employees. These statistics underscore the importance of employment and active workplace engagement in reducing loneliness, a sentiment echoed by Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Health & Protection.
Dennis emphasises that “good work is good for you,” stressing that despite the challenges faced by overseas employees, workplace interactions such as visits to the office and virtual conferencing can bolster mental health. However, it is essential to achieve a balance where the benefits of social interaction do not succumb to stress-related negatives.
Employers must therefore understand the diverse circumstances of their workforce to alleviate loneliness and enhance engagement. Engaged employees report significantly lower loneliness levels at 17%, compared to 31% among disengaged counterparts. This calls for a concerted effort by employers to demonstrate care and connection, especially when managing employees across different countries.
To tackle loneliness, employers should consider bespoke employee assistance programs that incorporate cultural acclimatisation support. Connecting employees with specialists who understand the unique challenges of working abroad can provide invaluable assistance. Additionally, facilitating access to mental health counselling and experts through global employee assistance programmes is recommended.
Employers’ proactive efforts in supporting employee wellbeing can significantly reduce loneliness and enhance productivity.
