Loneliness in Remote Work: Combating Disconnection and Finding a Way Forward
By Dr. Jodi Richardson
We were never meant to do any of this alone. And yet, so many of us find ourselves feeling isolated. Loneliness has become an astonishingly widespread problem, affecting millions worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organisation has declared it a pressing global health threat, with statistics showing that a significant portion of the global population reports feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness is not only emotionally painful, it is also profoundly detrimental to our health. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, has compared the health risks of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes per day—posing a risk for ill health that is more severe than even obesity and inactivity. This crisis was sparked in part by the pandemic and has been further exacerbated by changes in how we work.
The Trade-offs of Remote Work
Remote and hybrid work undeniably come with many joys and benefits. There’s a lot to love—no commute, more time with family, savings on fuel costs, fewer distractions, and the freedom to work in comfortable clothes. For instance, I am writing this from my home office, my Border Collie curled up at my feet after I picked the kids up from school. These perks are wonderful, but they come at the cost of spontaneous human connection.
The spontaneous interactions we once took for granted—water cooler conversations, impromptu brainstorming sessions, and organic social exchanges—are fading from the professional landscape, leading to a noticeable loss in workplace culture and team collaboration. In their place, we have digital communication that, while efficient, often lacks warmth, authenticity, and depth
Finding a Balance
Human connection isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental need. Without it, our psychological and physical health suffers. But the answer isn't simply to push everyone back into the office full-time. The solution is more nuanced. Organisations need to establish policies and adopt tools that strike a balance, allowing employees to retain the advantages of remote work while also addressing the critical need for genuine human connection.
To achieve this balance, we must intentionally design ways for connection to thrive, even in distributed work environments. This means creating spaces—whether digital or in-person—that go beyond efficiency and foster deeper interactions. While technology initially played a role in creating disconnection, it can also be part of the solution. By leveraging digital tools thoughtfully, we can create platforms that foster genuine and meaningful interactions, encouraging people to share, listen, and engage authentically. Through careful design, technology can bridge the gap, making remote work more inclusive and human-centric.
To truly thrive, teams need trust, belonging, and culture—and these elements only grow when people have a safe space to connect, support, and celebrate one another.
Prioritising Social Well-being as a Way Forward
Maintaining social well-being as part of everyday work life is not just an afterthought; it should be a core strategic priority for organisations aiming for sustainable success. Organisations must treat social well-being as a key performance indicator (KPI), with deliberate actions to nurture it. Embedding practices that foster genuine connection helps create an environment where both individuals and teams can thrive. When people feel genuinely connected, workplace culture strengthens, creativity flourishes, and engagement and collaboration naturally improve. Genuine connection is what turns distributed teams from isolated individuals into a cohesive, thriving community.
To move forward, we must make social well-being an intentional focus—transforming remote work into an experience that is not only productive but also fulfilling and genuinely human. By prioritising authentic connection and community, we can empower work environments to not only meet productivity goals but also enrich the lives of everyone involved, creating a more resilient and engaged workforce.