Have you noticed that more and more people are feeling lonely lately? It’s true.
A recent survey by the US Census Bureau revealed that 1 in 8 people often feel lonely — always or usually. For younger adults, that number jumps to nearly 1 in 4.
As a wellness leader, it’s important to understand that loneliness doesn’t stop at the door when people come to work. It can also creep into the workplace, leaving employees feeling disconnected or unmotivated. Here’s the good news: you have the power to help turn this around!
By creating opportunities for employees to connect and engage with each other, you can make a big difference in their well-being. Small efforts — like hosting group activities, setting up team challenges, or even organizing simple coffee breaks — can help employees feel more included and supported.
Below, we’ll explore some easy and fun ways to combat loneliness in the workplace, build a stronger sense of connection, and create a happier, healthier team.
Why are America's Workers Feeling So Lonely?
Working from home can make some feel isolated, but returning to the office full-time isn’t the simple fix it might seem. A new Harvard Business Review study of 1,000 full-time workers from various industries found that the loneliest employees were often the ones spending the most time in the office. Nearly half of these workers had spent the majority of the last month face-to-face with coworkers! Interestingly, employees of color reported higher levels of loneliness, while caregivers tended to feel less isolated.
Related: Curious where you rank? Find out your loneliness score with this assessment.
Whether you’re working in-person or in a hybrid setup, the structure of your workday doesn’t seem to impact feelings of loneliness as much as we thought. Instead, factors like social opportunities at work and your personality type play a bigger role.
For companies, this rising tide of loneliness is both a challenge and an opportunity. Employees who feel isolated are less likely to be engaged, which weakens team dynamics and reduces collaboration. On the flip side, employees who feel connected and supported at work are more productive, creative, and loyal to their organizations. Younger employees, especially those aged 18-29, are particularly at risk, with nearly 25% reporting feelings of loneliness "always" or "usually." As this younger generation takes a larger role in the workforce, addressing loneliness is key to building strong future leaders and creating a resilient workforce.
So, what’s the solution? Employers can tackle this issue by checking in with their teams, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and encouraging social connections. Simple actions like organizing team lunches or happy hours can make a big difference in fostering a sense of belonging (and yes, you can skip the awkward icebreakers).
10 Fun Wellness Ideas to Tackle Loneliness at Work
In response to this loneliness epidemic, there’s been a surge in social activities like running clubs, knitting groups, and even pickleball leagues. People are actively seeking ways to meet others and combat isolation, which is evident in the rise of Google searches for terms like “how to meet people” and “where to make friends.” Employers can capitalize on this by offering structured opportunities for employees to form meaningful social connections through team-building exercises, wellness activities and community involvement.
Here are some fun and creative ways wellness programs can help tackle loneliness in the workplace:
1. “Coffee & Connect” Breaks
Take a break from the daily grind! Set up weekly “Coffee & Connect” breaks where employees can chat informally. Make it even more fun by introducing weekly themes like “Pet Stories” or “Favorite Travel Spots.” These casual conversations help people get to know each other beyond work.
2. Wellness Buddy System
Pair up employees as wellness buddies who can check in on each other, join wellness challenges together, and offer support. This built-in network gives people a friendly connection to lean on.
3. Team Wellness Challenges
Organize monthly wellness challenges where teams work together to reach fun goals — whether it’s a step challenge, practicing mindfulness, or trying out healthy recipes. Teamwork brings a sense of friendly competition and bonding moments.
4. Celebrate Mindful Mondays
Hosting group mindfulness activities like meditation sessions, gratitude sharing, or breathing exercises on Mindful Monday creates opportunities for employees to connect in a calm, supportive setting. Feeling mentally healthy makes it easier to connect with others, fostering a more engaged and connected workplace.
5. Random Acts of Kindness Week
Host a Random Acts of Kindness week, where employees are encouraged to surprise their coworkers with kind gestures — like leaving positive notes, sharing treats, or offering a helping hand. It’s a simple way to spread positivity and strengthen connections.
6. Employee-Led Hobby Groups
Let employees lead the way! Set up hobby groups for activities like yoga, coloring, puzzles, knitting, board games, or cooking. Letting employees share their passions is a fun way to build community.
7. Walking Meetings
Swap your usual meeting room for a walking meeting! It’s a great way to get some fresh air and create a more relaxed environment for open, friendly conversations.
8. Wellness-Themed Scavenger Hunts
Get creative with a wellness-themed scavenger hunt! Teams can follow clues that lead to fun wellness tasks, such as stretching, sharing a favorite healthy snack, or a quick meditation.
Related: Check out our Guide to Planning an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt and become the Sherlock Holmes of employee bonding.
9. Friday Fun Zoom Rooms
For remote or hybrid teams, set up “Friday Fun Zoom Rooms” where employees can hop in for a quick game, trivia, or even a casual happy hour. It’s a lighthearted way to wrap up the week with laughter.
10. Wellness Ambassador Program
Create a team of wellness ambassadors who can organize activities, lead events, and keep the excitement around wellness going. It’s a great way to encourage participation and build social connections.
These creative ideas are all about making wellness fun, engaging, and inclusive — while also helping to create those vital social connections that reduce loneliness!
Looking Ahead: Building a Culture of Connection
The rise of loneliness is undeniable, but as a wellness manager, you have the opportunity to be part of the solution. By fostering social connections through wellness programs, you’re helping employees feel more engaged, connected, and supported — both inside and outside of work.
In a world where more people are searching for ways to meet others and make friends, the workplace can be a powerful space to build meaningful connections. And when social wellness becomes a priority, it’s not just employees who benefit. Your entire organization can grow stronger, happier, and more cohesive.
Together, we can tackle loneliness and create healthier, more connected workplaces where everyone thrives. Let’s make a difference — one connection at a time.
