88. The costs of ignoring connection in the workplace

Good news for the future of social connection in America!

Last week the Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, identified rebuilding social connection as a national public health priority. You can read the NYT article here, or delve into the more detailed advisory report, which outlines a national framework for reducing loneliness.

Data point of the week
In the report Dr. Murthy cites data that 1 out of 2 Americans are lonely at any given time.

Cigna has placed the number of American employees who are lonely even higher, at 6 out of 10, which is taking an enormous toll on employees’ mental and physical health and productivity. Cigna estimates that each lonely worker costs their employer an estimated $4,200 a year in missed days of work and lost productivity!

Want to see what employee loneliness is costing your workplace per year?

• Pull out your calculator.

• Enter the approximate number of employees at your workplace (or on your team).

• Multiply by .6 (that represents the average 60% of employees who are lonely … feel free to go lower if you’re in an exceptionally connected workplace or higher if you’re in an exceptionally disconnected workplace).

• Multiply that by $4,200.

Ouch!

If you, your HR department, and/or your administration want to reduce workplace loneliness, here’s a screenshot of the recommendations (for workplaces) outlined in the Surgeon General’s report.

Reflection
I was thrilled to see the Surgeon General’s announcement and report. It’s bringing much-needed awareness to the issue of loneliness. AND I hope it translates into action.

When I present to employee groups, I can’t tell you how many times an audience member comes up to me afterwards and says, “This makes perfect sense!” or, “This is a no-brainer!” And yet, the vast majority of businesses and organizations neglect employee connection and well-being.

Just today a newsletter reader emailed me (thanks—I love hearing from readers!) to say how much she appreciates my work, but shared that although ProjectConnect is direly needed in her workplace, “My concern is that it simply is not an emphasis or priority” for the decision-makers. It’s disheartening.

The truth is, some people “get it” and are enthusiastically on-board. (That’s you! Thank you for being connectors—I appreciate you and you are needed in this world). Others can take in information—like the Surgeon General’s report—and realize that building connection is the right thing to do. Still others can be persuaded by the financial case. And then there will always be some who remain unmoved.

Connection Skill & Action Step: Prioritize Connection
To accomplish anything important, we need to make it a priority. That involves devoting time, attention, and resources to it. Not sure where to start? Would you like to invite me to give a keynote or workshop for your team, department, or entire organization? I’d love to work with you, virtually or in-person!

Here’s a sample workshop description:   

Creating a Culture of Connection and Community in the Workplace
The recent Surgeon General’s report highlights the crucial role that connection plays in our health, happiness, and even longevity. (Investing in relationships has more impact on health than quitting smoking or exercising regularly!) Unfortunately, one out of two Americans report they are lonely at any given time … and even more than that report loneliness in the workplace.

Considering that we spend roughly a third of our lives at work, making connection a priority in the workplace is vital to employees’ health and wellbeing. And, with each lonely worker costing their employer an estimated $4,200 a year in lost productivity, connection is also good for the bottom line!

This interactive presentation provides a snapshot of the impact of a connected workplace and teaches concrete exercises for building connection that are field-tested and employee approved. Participants will practice the exercises during the session and leave with three quick, easy-to-implement activities to build strong relationships on their teams.  

If you’d like to schedule a talk or workshop, please make an appointment with me so I can learn more about what you’re looking for.

Questions. Please share your responses in the comments—it helps other people find the blog!

Is employee connection a priority in your workplace? If so, how is that priority acted upon?

If not, what’s getting in the way of valuing and prioritizing connection?

Where you lead, others are sure to follow!