Loneliness At Work: Building Spaces for Belonging
"I work on a floor with 200 people, but I don’t know anyone." This statement, shared in a recent workshop as part of our five-year program with UNSW, underscores a critical challenge: the next generation is searching for belonging.
The next generation want a workplace that connects them to purpose, not just a paycheck. Loneliness has become a silent epidemic in today’s world.
We’re socialising less. And unfortunately, the workplace is no exception.
Factors like WFH, distributed teams, outdated office environments, and redundant work practices all play their part in increasing these feelings of isolation.
Statistics help paint the picture:
Research indicates that stress and depression levels have increased among Australians working from home. A survey by the Australian Council of Trade Unions revealed that nearly half (49%) of home-based workers experienced mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, with women (53.9%) reporting higher rates than men (46.3%).
An important part of growth and security (or maybe certainty) is knowing you've found your tribe - a community where you truly belong.
So, the question is: ‘How can we inspire identity and belonging, if we treat people as if they’re all the same?’
Quick thought-starters:
Rotational Neighbourhoods & Cross-Team Events: Changing up workspaces and promoting interaction across teams to create actual connections.
Interactive Digital Community Walls: Providing spaces where people can share and celebrate their work and their lives.
How can we start?
Evaluate the physical workspace through the lens of your company’s core values - does the experience reflect your purpose and mission?
Keep it real. Continue to prioritise the physical workplace as an authentic space to nurture belonging – even in a remote-enabled world.
We can’t solve new challenges with old thinking. In an era that celebrates diversity, we need workplace experiences that go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
Author: Sean Willcock, Director at Davenport Campbell
Follow us on Linkedin and Instagram for more news and updates: