It's a compact that most organizations claim to honor. Yet despite investments in collaboration tools, team-building retreats, and carefully designed office spaces, something fundamental isn't working. According to Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, one in five employees worldwide report feeling lonely at work often -a rate that hasn't budged despite all the interventions.
Within three months, this capable professional was questioning their entire career, and the isolation bled into relationships with their partner, family, and friends. Then came the turning point: seeking help through their Employee Assistance Program, working with their GP, and finding the language to name what was happening. Today, they report stronger team bonds, restored creativity, and clarity of thought.
I can't figure out how to connect with my co-workers, which is ironic since I am a behavioral health provider. I'm located with doctors who refer patients to me for counseling. I love the work! The doctors like and respect my work! Clients say I'm helpful! When I do interact with doctors and other staff, they are friendly and I can always reach them via email or Teams. There are several people on staff who I think could become great work friends.
A new study from advisory firm KPMG found that 45% of workers surveyed reported feelings of loneliness in the workplace, and the majority would trade 20% in salary in exchange for working with close friends. And 99% of workers are interested in an AI chatbot that could become a close friend or trusted companion at work. There's a business case, too: Nearly 90% said friendship-enabling cultures are crucial for retention.
Is this about employers forcing people back into the office, citing culture and connection, but mostly wanting to check employees aren't slacking? It's true that there's been a push from big employers such as Amazon and Tesco over the past year to get people back on site, but this is different: in a new Bupa survey of 8,000 workers, 45% of gen Z respondents said they were considering looking for jobs with more social interaction.
