In a recent report released by healthcare provider Telus Health, alarming statistics reveal that a third of UK workers are at a high risk of mental health issues driven by loneliness.
The findings shed light on the profound impact of workplace relationships on employees’ mental well-being, particularly among different age groups.
According to the report, workers under the age of 40 are 80 percent more likely to lack trusted workplace relationships compared to their older counterparts aged over 50. This lack of trusted relationships significantly contributes to feelings of isolation among employees, with those without trusted workplace connections being three and a half times more likely to experience loneliness.
Paula Allen, senior vice-president of research and total well-being at Telus Health, emphasised the detrimental effects of a lack of trust in workplace relationships. She stated, “Without trust, an individual is more likely to experience anxiety, and there is a lack of social support to manage stress. This can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, even with frequent social interaction.”
What’s the impact of lonliness?
Allen further highlighted the cascading impact of these factors, noting that they not only increase the risk of mental health issues but also have physical health implications due to the strain they create.
Rebecca Holt, co-founder of Working Mindset, echoed these concerns, pointing out the shifting dynamics in workplace connections exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated, “The huge shift in working practices during and following the Covid-19 pandemic changed the whole connection landscape for employees. We all have less opportunity to connect with our colleagues.”
Holt emphasised that younger employees, in particular, are feeling the brunt of this change, as they often seek more face-to-face contact. However, she noted that older employees may be more willing to openly address feelings of loneliness, thereby seeking solutions to mitigate its impact.
These revelations underscore the urgent need for employers to prioritise fostering trusted workplace relationships and providing adequate support systems to combat loneliness and its detrimental effects on employees’ mental health. As the workforce continues to navigate evolving work environments, addressing these issues is paramount to ensuring the well-being of all employees.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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