A while ago, I read a piece about this so-called “loneliness epidemic.” I didn’t think much of it at first. Just another buzzword, right?
But then I remembered someone I used to work with.
She showed up. Got her work done. Seemed fine. But over time, her energy started to dip. Her camera was off more often than not. She didn’t speak much in meetings. And then one afternoon, out of nowhere, she said, “I don’t think I’ve talked to anyone all week.”
It hit me. We were working in the same team — daily. And still, she felt that alone.
It made me wonder how many others are feeling that way too — and just aren’t saying it.
Loneliness Doesn’t Shout. It Slips In.
The thing about loneliness at work is that it doesn’t come with a big warning sign.
No one really says, “Hey, I’m feeling disconnected.” They just start to withdraw. Quietly.
They still show up. Still meet deadlines. But something’s missing — the spark, the motivation, the sense of belonging. And over time, it affects more than just morale. It shows up in productivity, engagement, even absenteeism.
In fact, we’re seeing more workplaces turn to burnout prevention strategies without realising that, sometimes, burnout starts with disconnection.
Some Workplaces Are Getting It Right
We’ve seen a shift lately. Employers are investing more in mental health training for managers. These aren’t just compliance sessions — they’re about helping leaders pick up on the quiet stuff. The changes in tone. The subtle signs someone’s struggling.
It’s also become common to run corporate mental health training workshops, especially around Mental Health Month. These programs don’t just talk about anxiety or stress — they also encourage activities for mental health month that get people talking, connecting, sharing something beyond to-do lists.
More teams are also using employee wellbeing programs that go beyond fruit bowls and yoga apps. They’re creating space — even just a few minutes — for check-ins that feel real.
It Doesn’t Have To Be Big
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to be a psychologist to support your team’s mental health.
You just have to be willing to notice.
It’s saying, “How are you going, really?” and being okay with the answer taking longer than 10 seconds. It’s recognising that some people don’t need solutions — just someone who listens.
And if you’re a leader? Having access to a mental health awareness course or anxiety management course might not just help your team — it might help you, too.
Because loneliness might be quiet. But connection? That’s powerful.
Peter Diaz is the CEO of Workplace Mental Health Institute. He’s an author and accredited mental health social worker with senior management experience. Having recovered from his own experience of bipolar depression, Peter is passionate about assisting organisations to address workplace mental health issues in a compassionate yet results-focussed way. He’s also a Dad, Husband, Trekkie and Thinker.
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