Connection is a strategy, not a sentiment

"Once dismissed as a personal issue, social disconnection is now a public health emergency and an escalating business risk. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's 2023 advisory equated the health risks of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But beyond its devastating impact on health, disconnection is eroding culture, driving attrition, and stalling performance. For boards and executive teams, the question is not whether to act, but whether they can afford not to."

"The data is alarming. Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and dementia by 50%. In the workplace, loneliness fuels disengagement, absenteeism, and burnout-costing employers an estimated $154 billion every year. And that number is only rising. At CHC's recent "Fostering Connection as Medicine" Innovation Roundtable, we hosted C-suite leaders and board directors from some of the world's most influential companies to ask a critical question:"

Loneliness has become a public health emergency and a major business risk in the post-pandemic, high-speed digital era. Health impacts include significantly higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and dementia, and a Surgeon General advisory compared loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Workplace disconnection drives disengagement, absenteeism, burnout, and costly attrition, costing employers an estimated $154 billion annually. Framing connection as a strategic, board-level priority can strengthen culture, reduce risk, and improve performance. Evidence links employee belonging to higher engagement, productivity, loyalty, innovation, and resilience. Organizational investment in connection yields measurable benefits across people, performance, and enterprise risk.

Read at Fast Company