Humans fundamentally need other people<\/a>. And the PSU authors say loneliness happens when someone desires more or deeper social connections than they perceive they have. <\/p>\n In 2023, the surgeon general\u2019s office identified loneliness as an \u201cepidemic\u201d<\/a> in the United States, stating in a report that \u201cthe lack of social connection poses a significant risk for individual health and longevity.\u201d It found loneliness increases the risk of premature death by more than 25% \u2014 a similar impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. <\/p>\n The PSU review looked specifically at loneliness in the workplace. <\/p>\n It found that while someone\u2019s personality traits (like lack of extroversion or neuroticism) or demographics (i.e. being a woman) might increase the likelihood of workplace loneliness, these factors in the work environment can also play a significant role: <\/p>\n Increased remote work A growing reliance on technology and the associated \u201ctechnostress<\/a>\u201dHeightened stress levelsLack of inclusiveness in the workplaceThe rise and integration of artificial intelligenceUnsupportive managersLow income levelLack of control over work environmentLeadership status<\/p>\n Many of these factors intensified with the COVID-19 pandemic as employers adapted to cope with the changing social norms.<\/p>\n FILE – People work at the Yelp office in San Francisco on Feb. 14, 2023. Remote work has intensified loneliness in the workplace. Experts say friendships and a sense of belonging are vital to employees\u2019 happiness. And also to companies\u2019 success.<\/p>\n Jeff Chiu \/ AP<\/p>\n The PSU researchers didn\u2019t pinpoint how prevalent workplace loneliness is, but a 2025 Gallup report<\/a> found that about 1 out of every 5 people worldwide experienced significant loneliness at work. <\/p>\n The researchers found that when people experience chronic loneliness at work, their level of job satisfaction, focus, performance and creativity dips. <\/p>\n On the bright side, some employers have found success combating workplace loneliness by helping workers manage stress and develop social skills. <\/p>\n The research is published in the Journal of Management here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In these All Science Snapshots, \u201cAll Science. No Fiction<\/a>.\u201d creator Jes Burns features the most interesting, wondrous and hopeful science coming out of the Pacific Northwest. <\/p>\n![\"FILE](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DPSBZWAUH5HV5LOLO5RYJLDSSI.jpg\")
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