Loneliness – a new management phenomenon

“These days, I'll often spend more time talking to AI rather than humans,” says Eliot Prince, a manager for a digital marketing agency. “Most of my team members feel completely comfortable working remotely, but I often find myself struggling with loneliness,” agrees Tiffany McGee, the founder of a travel website. “It's difficult to maintain the same level of connection and engagement when we're not working side by side,” reflects entrepreneur Luke Lee.

All three of these managers are struggling with feeling more isolated in their work post-pandemic. According to recent reports and research – including a new survey from CMI – they are part of a global trend. 

• Lone working: the dangers, and tools for coping
• Loneliness: It’s more than just being alone

More productivity but also more loneliness

According to a report released by the US surgeon general Vivek Murthy last week, America is facing a loneliness epidemic. Feeling socially isolated may not seem like an especially urgent public health concern, but according to Murthy, loneliness is linked with heart attacks, depression, diabetes and even premature death. And it’s on the rise in the US.