Workplace Loneliness & Connectivity
Research in Progress
Q: How can managers detect loneliness in their workers? What interventions are likely to be most effective?
— with Sarah Wright, Associate Professor at University of Canterbury
Q: How do personal characteristics (e.g., gender) and workstyle (e.g., 100% remote) influence worker’s ability to “relationally craft” their jobs?
— with Sarah Wright, Associate Professor at University of Canterbury
Q: What are the best practices for virtual relationship-building on remote/hybrid teams?
— Interested in collaborating?
You are welcome to bring issues and opportunities for research to us as well – send a note to research@institutelifework.org.
Publications & Commentary
Watch & Listen
Loneliness and Social Connection at Work (video)
— Grand Rounds Presentation at McLean Hospital
Admit It — You Miss Socializing at the Office (podcast)
— NPR’s Marketplace
“I Was Worried About This Before the Pandemic”: Organizational Psychologist Discusses Loneliness Among Employees In the Workplace (podcast)
— Boston Business Journal
Read
The Unequal Rewards of Peer Support at Work
— MIT Sloan Management Review
Why Work Friends Are Crucial for Your Health
— Time
Loneliness Is at Epidemic Proportions in Modern Organizations
— Boston Business Journal
Why Neglecting Work Relationships Can Sabotage Innovation and Productivity
— Fast Company
Research: How Coworking Spaces Influence Employee Well-Being
— Harvard Business Review
Are Your Team Members Lonely?
— MIT Sloan Management Review
*Winner of the 2022 Richard Beckhard Memorial Prize
Yes, People Miss Their Work Friends
— Microsoft WorkLab
I Love the Freedom and Flexibility of Working from Home, but I'm Also Really Lonely
— Business Insider
Burnout and Loneliness: Workplace Problems, Not Worker Problems
— Medium
Employees Are Lonelier than Ever. Here’s How Employers Can Help
— Harvard Business Review
These Four Reasons for the Loneliness of Your Teams
— Harvard Business Review France
The Loneliness of the Modern Office Team Member
— Financial Times
5 Tips for Addressing Loneliness in the Workplace
— Financial Management