Lonely at Work? Let’s Talk About It

You know that awkward feeling when you’re in a meeting full of people, cameras on, Slack pinging… and yet somehow, you still feel completely alone?

Yeah. That.

It turns out, you're far from alone in feeling that way - and that's exactly the problem.

We’re in the middle of what some researchers are calling a loneliness epidemic. And no, that’s not just a dramatic headline. It’s real, it’s rising, and it’s quietly impacting our mental health, our work, and our overall sense of meaning in ways we often don’t even realise.

Let’s have a proper conversation about it. Because the truth is, this is about more than just having mates to go for a pint with, it’s about belonging, purpose, and human connection. And it matters, especially in the workplace.

Which means if you're feeling lonely at work, it’s not just a side issue, it’s a big one. It’s also not something you can file under “personal” and leave at the office door. Work is life, life is work. It’s all integrated now.

And this isn’t just a Gen Z thing... although younger generations are speaking about it more openly (which is brilliant, by the way 🙌).

People of all ages are reporting rising levels of loneliness, and it’s affecting mental health, motivation, and even physical wellbeing.

But what can we actually do about it? Let’s start with something a bit unexpected…

When we feel lonely, it's not always about being physically alone. Sometimes it’s about feeling disconnected from who we are, what we care about, and what gives us meaning. Reconnecting with your values, passions and personal rhythms is the foundation. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right?

Quick tip: Start a voice memo journal on your phone. Just ramble for five minutes a day. There's no getting it “right”, all that matters is that you're taking a break from distractions and connecting with your inner experience.

• Ask real questions like “How are you today, really?”

These little micro-moments of genuine human connection can work wonders, and they add up.

And if you're a leader reading this: please, please model this. Genuine vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a leadership superpower. Make space for real talk. Check in on your people, and show them it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

But you don’t have to do this alone. Asking for help is a master move.

📌 Pro-tip: Don’t wait until you’re burnt out. Message a friend, mentor, colleague, or even a mental health professional, when things start to feel slightly off. Early support is the best support.

And no, it doesn’t have to be perfect or polished. You don’t need to be “good” at something to enjoy it. That’s the whole point.

🌱 Connection often grows in the soil of shared interests and common causes.

One of the deeper reasons we can feel lonely, even in a crowded office , is because we feel like what we’re doing doesn’t matter.

So, ask yourself:

• What gives my work meaning?

• Where do I feel a sense of contribution?
  
  

• How does this job connect to something bigger?
  
  

And if you don’t have answers yet, that’s 100% okay. That’s your invitation to start exploring.

Meaning doesn’t always come from the job title. Sometimes it’s in how you show up, how you support your team, how you bring your full self to the table. Start there.

Here’s the thing: even the most social, smiley, seemingly “together” people you know have probably had a moment, or a season, where they’ve felt completely, achingly alone.

It doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you, it means you’re human.

So if you’ve been feeling that quiet ache of disconnection lately… I see you. And I promise you’re not the only one. There’s no shame in it. In fact, talking about it might just be the very thing that helps someone else feel seen too.

Have you ever felt lonely at work? What helped you through it?

Or are you still navigating it now?

Let’s talk about it. Let’s be real, and let’s build workplaces (and lives) that are just a little bit more human. One authentic connection at a time.