Employers Encouraged to Combat Loneliness
In the modern workplace, loneliness is emerging as a significant challenge that employers must address. Recent research by the Economics of Mutuality Alliance and the University of Manchester reveals that 44% of people worldwide experience moderate to severe loneliness.
As research emphasises rising loneliness among workers, employers are urged to implement proactive measures to support connection and reduce isolation
This issue spans beyond personal boundaries, presenting itself as a societal and economic challenge that demands comprehensive solutions, including proactive measures within the workplace.
The “Business vs Loneliness” study, which surveyed over 50,000 individuals across the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, and China, highlights the pervasive nature of loneliness. Contrary to popular belief, the study found that loneliness tends to decrease with age.
Approximately 29% of Generation Z report feelings of loneliness compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation. Despite this, most interventions focus on older adults, indicating a significant opportunity to develop workplace cultures and services that support a sense of belonging among younger generations.
Employers have the potential to play a pivotal role in mitigating loneliness by implementing straightforward, practical strategies. For example, Asahi Europe & International is utilising hospitality spaces and online platforms to facilitate meaningful social connections for young adults.
Additionally, more than half of the respondents find that positive alone time can help alleviate loneliness, suggesting that businesses could benefit from creating environments that support both solitude and social interactions.
A significant portion of survey participants (14%) reported having no place to go when they felt lonely but desired connection. This highlights a crucial opportunity for employers to design connection-friendly spaces in locations like cafes, retail stores, and offices.
Furthermore, individuals not affiliated with any group are 1.6 times more likely to experience loneliness, emphasising the potential for businesses to support community through memberships, loyalty programs, and shared identity experiences.
The study also found that dissatisfaction with income can double the likelihood of loneliness, irrespective of actual earnings. This underscores the importance for companies to enhance perceived financial wellbeing to boost employee loyalty and retention.
Mandikova Drahomira, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Asahi Group Holdings, noted, “Applying the Economics of Mutuality operating model has enabled our brands to achieve positive societal impact while driving meaningful commercial growth.”
By taking these insights to heart, businesses can create more inclusive and supportive environments, ultimately contributing to the well-being of their employees and the broader community.