Work and the power of connection in a loneliness epidemic
We are currently facing a loneliness epidemic, a challenge that is increasingly recognized across the globe. According to an Australian report, one in four Australians reports feeling lonely. We know now that the health impacts of this loneliness are profound.
Loneliness does not just affect how we ‘feel’, it also influences our physical health, with significant consequences for both morbidity and mortality. If we want to support the health and wellbeing of the people in our teams at work, connection is key.
At work, when we think about connection, we often think of social outings, after-work drinks or shared lunches. While these are important, they only skim the surface of what it truly means to foster connection in a meaningful way.
For real connection to happen, we need to move beyond surface-level interactions and focus on deeper, more authentic ways of bringing people together.
The importance of feeling seen at work
Nothing feels better than truly being seen. This is as true for our work life as it is in our home life and, let’s face it, we spend a lot of time at work. When people feel acknowledged for who they are – not just for the tasks they complete – they are more engaged, more productive and more fulfilled. To tackle this problem, we need to create environments where people feel valued as individuals.
Historically, humans have always thrived in community – our ancestors relied on their tribes for support, belonging and survival. Today, we still have that fundamental need for connection.
Historically, humans have always thrived in community – our ancestors relied on their tribes for support, belonging and survival.
In my book, Work Your Magic, I discuss the five pillars of a work environment that supports health and wellbeing, and the second pillar – authenticity – is key to creating a culture of genuine connection. Authenticity allows individuals to be themselves, and when people are authentic, they bring their full selves to work, which in turn supports deeper connections.
The first pillar of my framework is meaning. People who understand the deeper purpose behind their work are more likely to feel fulfilled and connected to their roles. Connecting with others at work requires us to understand not just what our colleagues do, but why they do it. This deeper level of connection creates a sense of belonging, which is vital to our emotional and mental wellbeing.
The power of sharing ‘why’
One exercise I recommend to teams is asking individuals to share the ‘why’ behind their work – why they do what they do. This may sound simple or even obvious, but I can assure you that it’s often surprising.
Many people have deep, personal reasons for coming to work every day, reasons that go beyond the job title or remuneration. Perhaps it’s the autonomy their role offers, the creativity it sparks, the opportunity to learn and grow or the flexibility it provides to balance work and life.
Many people have deep, personal reasons for coming to work every day, reasons that go beyond the job title or remuneration.
Understanding these reasons helps team members connect with one another on a deeper level. It gives everyone a sense of each person’s unique story and motivations, which not only strengthens relationships but also fosters empathy and support in the workplace.
By listening to each other’s ‘why’, we allow people to feel seen, heard and valued, which can have a powerful impact on morale and mental health.
Moving beyond small talk
Of course, small talk and social functions are still important for building camaraderie – there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a lunch or after-work drink together. But in the context of today’s loneliness epidemic, these social events shouldn’t be the only opportunities for connection.
In fact, many people feel more isolated in these types of gatherings where the conversation stays at the surface level. While casual interactions are valuable, we need more than that to combat loneliness in the workplace.
Creating opportunities for people to truly be seen requires intentionality.
Creating opportunities for people to truly be seen requires intentionality. It means building trust within teams so that colleagues feel comfortable sharing their experiences, challenges and motivations. It’s about fostering an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work, knowing that they will be respected and valued for their individuality.
In 2025, let’s commit to making connection a priority in the workplace. By encouraging authenticity, understanding what drives people and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, we can build a more connected and resilient work environment.
When people feel seen and valued, they don’t just perform better – they thrive. So, let’s give our teams the space and the support they need to truly connect with one another. You may be surprised by the difference it makes in both their work and their wellbeing.