Workplace Loneliness

Now that we’ve highlighted a Global Workplace Epidemic, the unnecessary meeting, let’s address the cell phones revolution! As we mentioned in our last blog, cell phones expedites communication, but their omnipresence can impact workplace interactions and contribute to feelings of loneliness. Here are some supporting statistics we want to through at you:
o 70% of respondents admitted to checking their cell phones during meetings, leading to distractions and decreased active participation (Udemy, 2018)
o 26% of workers felt that their cell phones increased their workload and made them more stressed (The Pew Research Center, 2019)
o The mere presence of a cell phone during a conversation can lead to decreased satisfaction and feelings of connectedness (Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2017)
o Folks recognized a decline in empathy and relationship quality when cell phones were present during face-to-face interactions (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 2018)
The impact of meeting culture and the advent of cell phones are having an impact on your employees’ feelings of loneliness; we want to help your organization utilize some strategies that you can employ to foster a more connected and supportive work environment.
Streamline Meetings:
o Set clear agendas and objectives for meetings to ensure efficiency and relevance.
o Consider alternative communication channels, such as emails or collaborative platforms, for routine updates that do not require immediate discussion.
Promote Active Engagement:
o Encourage participation and ensure all attendees have a chance to contribute during meetings.
o Use technology tools and interactive platforms to encourage real-time engagement, even in virtual meetings.
Establish Technology Etiquette:
o Encourage cell phone-free meetings to minimize distractions and foster focused discussions.
o Promote mindful cell phone use, such as setting designated break times for checking messages and notifications.
Foster a Culture of Connection:
o Encourage informal interactions and team-building activities outside of formal meetings.
o Create opportunities for socialization, such as team lunches, coffee breaks, or virtual social events.

Workplace loneliness can be influenced by meeting culture and the impact of cell phones. By acknowledging these factors and implementing strategies that prioritize meaningful interactions, organizations can create a more connected and supportive work environment. Remember, the key lies in balancing efficient communication practices with opportunities for genuine human connectivity.

Last week we blogged about the Evolution of Communication in the Workplace. Our research mentioned the increased loneliness of our society, which made me ponder… how does that loneliness infiltrate our workplaces?
Workplaces are meant to be spaces of collaboration, connection, and engagement. Yet, we often find ourselves in meetings that could’ve been emails; am I right? We’ve all seen the meme! The evolution of meeting culture, along with the dependance on cell phones contribute to feelings of workplace loneliness.
We all KNOW meetings are a fundamental part of the modern work environment. Sadly, certain meeting practices and trends have inadvertently contributed to workplace loneliness. Here are just a few statistics that we found that might shed light on this issue:
• 33.4% of employees consider meetings they attend unnecessary.
• 59% of respondents believed meetings hindered productivity, increasing stress & disengagement (Doodle 2019)
• 67% of participants reported feeling lonely and left out during meetings, even when physically present (Journal of Applied Psychology in 2016)
• Individuals spend an average of 38 minutes in unproductive meetings every day, which can lead to disconnection and reduced engagement (University of California, Irvine in 2018)