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Tackling workplace loneliness: The talent manager’s role

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Summary

This article discusses the impact of loneliness in the workplace and the role of talent managers in tackling it. It explores the effects of loneliness on employee well-being, productivity and retention, and suggests solutions such as assessing benefits packages, encouraging connections, removing barriers to social gatherings, and experimenting with new ways to create better connections. Talent managers should be aware of the potential risks of remote and hybrid work environments and focus on building a culture that fosters authentic human connection.

Q&As

What did U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy write in the New York Times?
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times decrying the loneliness epidemic in the nation.

What percentage of workers with fewer than five years of work experience feel lonely most of the time?
58 percent of employees with fewer than five years of work experience feel lonely all or most of the time.

How does remote work and hybrid work set-ups contribute to workplace loneliness?
Remote work and hybrid work set-ups can exacerbate workplace loneliness by creating a sense of isolation and disconnection from coworkers.

What are some of the costs associated with workplace loneliness?
The costs associated with workplace loneliness include diminished efficiency and output, increased absenteeism, job withdrawal, burnout, and negative implications for organizational effectiveness. It can also increase the risks of heart disease and stroke, leading to increased insurance costs.

What strategies can talent managers use to address workplace loneliness?
Talent managers can combat workplace loneliness by creating workplaces that foster deeper, more meaningful connections between and within employees and managers. They should assess benefits packages closely, encourage connections, find workarounds, and experiment with new ways to create better connections.

AI Comments

👍 This article offers great insight into how to address workplace loneliness for the next generation of leaders. It provides innovative solutions and helpful advice on how to create a more meaningful workplace environment.

👎 This article does not address the root causes of workplace loneliness, and fails to provide any real solutions for those in higher positions in the workplace.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the role of talent managers in tackling workplace loneliness. It talks about how loneliness in the workplace is pervasive and can have a negative impact on employee productivity, retention, and physical health. It also gives some suggestions on how talent managers can help create a culture where human connection is prioritized.

Friend: That's really interesting. It's sad to see how many people are feeling lonely in the workplace. It's definitely something that needs to be addressed.

Me: Absolutely. It's important to remember that loneliness isn't just an emotional issue; it can have a tangible impact on a company's bottom line. Talent managers should be proactive in tackling this problem and creating an environment where employees feel connected and supported.

Action items

Assess benefits packages closely and offer benefits that address loneliness both within and outside of the workplace.
Encourage connections between employees and managers by setting up time for meaningful and substantive interactions.
Experiment with new ways to create better connections, such as events, one-on-one meetings, periodic feedback and special recognitions.

Technical terms

Hybrid Work Environment: A hybrid work environment is a combination of remote and in-office work.
Remote Work: Remote work is when employees work from home or other locations outside of the office.
Glassdoor Economic Research: Glassdoor Economic Research is a research firm that provides data and insights on the labor market.
Loneliness Epidemic: A loneliness epidemic is a widespread feeling of loneliness among people in a particular area or population.
Surgeon General: The Surgeon General is the highest-ranking officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
White House Advisory: A White House advisory is an official statement from the White House on a particular issue.
Call Center: A call center is a facility that handles a large volume of incoming and outgoing telephone calls.
Truck Driving: Truck driving is the operation of a commercial motor vehicle to transport goods or passengers.
Night Security: Night security is the practice of providing security services during the night hours.
Disgruntled Customers: Disgruntled customers are customers who are dissatisfied with a product or service.
Poll: A poll is a survey of a group of people to gather information or opinions.
American Psychiatric Association: The American Psychiatric Association is a medical specialty society that represents psychiatrists in the United States.
Absenteeism: Absenteeism is the practice of regularly missing work or school without good reason.
Stress: Stress is a feeling of strain and pressure.
Retention: Retention is the act of keeping something or someone.
Productivity: Productivity is the measure of the efficiency of a person, machine, factory, system, etc., in converting inputs into useful outputs.
Cigna Research: Cigna Research is a research firm that provides data and insights on health and wellness.
Resilience: Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
Organizational Effectiveness: Organizational effectiveness is the degree to which an organization is able to achieve its goals.
Heart Disease: Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect the heart.
Stroke: A stroke is a medical condition in which the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.