Rootless in a Work from Home World

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, companies have started to open more and more work from home positions. Working from home has a lot of benefits to offer individuals. It can:

Provide a more flexible schedule to allow for a healthier work-life balance
give you a chance to get more work done with fewer distractions
let you do work in a more comfortable setting
cut back on spending costs
allow you to create a work environment you love

Working from home can be an excellent experience for many. However, this does not mean that it comes without its drawbacks.

Loneliness for Work from Home Employees

As work from home employees continue to increase around the world drastically, the number of individuals reporting feelings of loneliness has grown right alongside it. One study published in Gallup reported that 23% of Americans feel lonely when working from home.

The Devastating Impacts of Loneliness

We, as humans, are social beings. Therefore, our connection to each other is a critical player in our health and wellbeing. However, with the number of people reporting feeling lonely, the impacts of loneliness and social isolation are becoming more evident than ever. Loneliness has been associated with many health issues, including:

cognitive decline
hypertension
cardiovascular disease
weakened immune systems
depression
anxiety
Alzheimer’s disease
Mortality

Ways to Avoid Loneliness When Working from Home

While working from home can make it easy to fall into social isolation, there are ways to prevent it. A few of these techniques for preventing loneliness include:

Reaching Out to Your Coworkers

If there are projects and opportunities with your work that allow you to work with your coworkers, you may find yourself feeling less lonely if you collaborate. Schedule a zoom call, send them an email, and brainstorm together. Your mental health and work performance will both thank you.

Make Plans When You’re Off Work

If your job doesn’t offer many opportunities to collaborate with your coworkers, you may find your loneliness subsides after spending some time with family and friends. You can plan to get dinner with your mom, go shopping with your best friend, schedule a romantic date with your partner, or join a local book club. Find social activities that bring you joy and prioritize making time for them!

Work Outside the Home at Least Once a Week

Sometimes, a change of scenery can be great for your mental health- especially during a grueling work week. Plan one day a week to get your work done in the office, at a library, or in a coffee shop. Simply being around other people may be just what you need to fill your social tank, reducing your feelings of loneliness and isolation.

If You Still Find Yourself Feeling Lonely

If you have found yourself experiencing feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety, our team of compassionate therapists is here for you. Whether you need behavioral therapy, group therapy, or another therapy option, we will work with you to find the treatment you need. Contact us today!

References

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/357386/loneliest-employees.aspx

Keywords: loneliness, isolation, mental health, group therapy, work from home