As a manager, you have the power to shape your team’s social environment, reducing loneliness and fostering connection. Addressing this issue isn’t just good for morale—it’s essential for a healthy, productive workplace. Here are some steps you can take to help your team feel more connected.

Measure loneliness. Start by assessing the prevalence of loneliness on your team. Collect data anonymously to ensure you get honest responses and a clearer picture of social dynamics. 

Design slack into workflows. Allow room in schedules for casual, informal interactions, and make sure people’s workloads don’t prevent them from connecting with each other.

Create a culture of connection. To cultivate a supportive environment, encourage small, everyday actions—like checking in with colleagues or expressing appreciation—and model these behaviors yourself to foster an inclusive environment.

Build socializing into the work rhythm. Regularly offer social activities like team lunches or brief chitchat in meetings. Embed these into daily routines to facilitate natural interactions.

Keep it simple. No need for elaborate events; free lunches, happy hours, or casual check-ins are highly effective and easy to implement.

Leverage work modes. Incorporate remote and in-person options, like virtual games or offsite retreats, to connect employees regardless of where and how they work.

Actively recruit participants. Encourage engagement by personally inviting employees to social activities. A little persistence can help even the most reluctant team members feel included.
This tip is adapted from “We’re Still Lonely at Work,” by Constance Noonan Hadley and Sarah L. Wright.
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