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As we dive into the realm of home working, the isolation and disconnection from the hustle of the office can be both liberating and daunting. In this article, we'll unravel the tangled web of why loneliness takes root in the home working environment, who is most susceptible, and how to combat it.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness – it's not just a solitary feeling but a silent companion that many remote workers have come to know all too well.
It is that gnawing feeling that something is left unsatisfied.
It’s the vague sense that there is a presence that should be there. But no one is.
Loneliness is hard to describe, yet we all know when it hits us what loneliness is.
Who is susceptible to loneliness?
Everyone can be lonely at some time in their life. Even people who work in busy offices can be susceptible to loneliness.
Even people with busy, active lives.
Loneliness is something that home workers can be highly susceptible to due to their unique working environment of not venturing out of the home to work. Without even realising loneliness can creep into the life of a home worker.
By the end of this read, you'll also gain actionable insights to build bridges and connect with others in the digital realm.
Why are home workers lonely?
*Not only do remote employees struggle with the lack of in-person interaction, they struggle to connect with peers online*: Around 40% of remote workers told Glassdoor that the virtual setup made it harder to connect with colleagues, and 31% struggled to build a relationship with their line manager or senior colleagues.
My own story on loneliness and home working has been mixed.
Previous in my life I have felt lonely whilst working from home and when working in an office.
Also, I have been completely satisfied with life and without any loneliness whilst in both situations.
For me as a home worker, some of the loneliness came during the winter months around November and December in the build-up to Christmas. Why at this time? Because I missed the build-up to Christmas in a traditional office setting as I was a home worker who ran my own business there was no way to really replicate this.
What problems can home working loneliness cause
The repercussions of this solitude extend far beyond feeling the occasional pang of loneliness. They stretch into the realm of sleep issues, depression, and low morale. A recent study published by The BMJ shows that social isolation and loneliness can lead to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental health conditions, such as sleep problems, low self-esteem, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
How many homeworkers are lonely?
At the same time, more than 70 per cent of workers don't feel like they are able to socialize enough when working remotely. Among the workers surveyed by EY, 46 per cent indicated they are likely to leave their jobs because of loneliness.
This is something that is definitely going to become a trend over the next couple of years, as people who initially loved the freedom and flexibility after a few years will
Is loneliness in-home workers part of a wider range of issues?
Yes, indeed – loneliness is on the rise, and it's not just within the sphere of work. More people are experiencing its grip than ever before, and the reliance on work as a primary social network has become all too evident.
Across much of the developed and developing world, especially the Anglo-sphere, even prior to the pandemic and the rise of home working into mainstream working culture, loneliness was on the rise and was becoming endemic in wider society.
Does it have to be this way?
No. Loneliness can be beaten, held off and diminished.
Actionable Takeaways
What to do if you are working from home and feeling lonely
Say out loud - I am feeling lonely: It might sound simple, but admitting your feelings is the first step towards addressing them. The very across saying “I am lonely” takes away large amounts of its power away, diminishing its hold, and making taking action easier. I’ve found when I do this, the pressure around the loneliness dissipates and I instantly feel
Engage more at work: Set up virtual lunchtime drop-in meetings with colleagues or initiate casual conversations to create a sense of connection. Although earlier in the article we discussed how too many people only rely on people at work to have social connections, the connections from work are important and should make the most connections and friendships that you can.
Think outside of work: Join a club, take up a hobby, or find an interest that allows you to engage with others outside the confines of your home office.
This is vital towards the goal of decreasing our loneliness, building and maintaining connections outside of work is good for two reasons: one, it is good to have a network of people outside of work just in case you lose your job and two, having friends and connections outside of work helps reduce stress and offer more perspective.
Remember, being lonely and feeling lonely can be cured with action: Take proactive steps to reach out and connect with others. Taking action is in most instances all we need to do when dealing with a problem. When we start taking action, even if unsuccess it can be a cure in itself, as we are saying to ourselves “I might be lonely, but I am not a victim.”
Be proactive with other people: Initiate conversations, virtual coffee breaks, and collaboration efforts to foster a sense of community. Taking action at the end of the day is being proactive. Start by saying hello to the cashiers at the supermarket and go from there.
Call-To-Action
Loneliness starts with reaching out. Please feel free to drop me an email at joseph@homeworkinghenry.com
TL;DR
Remote workers struggle with loneliness, as lack of in-person interaction and difficulty in virtual connections contribute to isolation.
Loneliness can lead to serious health issues, including sleep problems, depression, and high blood pressure.
A significant percentage of remote workers feel socially isolated, potentially leading to higher attrition rates.
Loneliness is a broader societal concern, with many relying on work as a primary source of social interaction.
Proactive steps can combat loneliness, from admitting it to engaging more at work and exploring interests outside of work.
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