Have you ever felt lonely at work? 

Even in a world of constant connection – emails, Teams chats, WhatsApp groups – loneliness is affecting more and more people. 

Hybrid and remote working offer big benefits: flexibility, a better work-life balance, and fewer commutes to the office. But they also make it harder to feel part of a team, and when that sense of connection fades, it can take a toll on our mental health. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week, with its focus on 'community', we’re taking a closer look at the flip side: loneliness.  

Did you know?

1 in 5 workers feels lonely every day

(Source: Gallup)

Loneliness at work is more common than you might think. In fact, a Relate survey found that over 40% of employees don’t have a single colleague they'd consider a close friend. Some groups are especially vulnerable:  

• Young workers aged 18–24 are twice as likely to feel lonely as older colleagues – and less confident speaking up when they do (Mental Health UK) 

• Disabled workers and those from ethnic minority backgrounds are also more likely to feel lonely (British Red Cross) 

• Perhaps surprisingly, 1 in 3 senior managers feel lonely “often” or “always” (British Red Cross) 

How loneliness shows up

We talk about loneliness, but what does that actually mean at work? You might notice it in the small, everyday moments, like: 

• Feeling disconnected from colleagues – like you’re not on the same wavelength 

• Lacking a sense of purpose or belonging 

• Feeling underappreciated or invisible 

• Not feeling close enough to ask for help – or offer it 

• Wondering if your work really matters to anyone 

Why are we so lonely? 

If any of this sounds uncomfortably familiar, know that you’re not the problem. The reality is our day-to-day lives offer fewer chances to truly connect. 

We work from home, and ‘water cooler moments’ are harder to replicate virtually. We order our shopping online or pay at self-service checkouts. We message instead of calling. All of it adds up. 

No wonder researchers at Gallup and Harvard link modern loneliness to the way we live and work. Those small moments of connection matter more than we might think. 

Guide: 5 ways to feel more connected at work

Loneliness can sap your energy, motivation and confidence – and according to the WHO, it’s as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But small steps like these can help shift how you feel: 

1. Think about what you need

Not everyone needs the same kind of connection. Take a moment to think: are you craving more support, more laughter, or perhaps a greater sense of purpose? Once you know what you're missing, it’s easier to seek out. 

2. Take the first step (even if it feels awkward) 

When you’re feeling low, reaching out can feel like a big ask – but it’s often when we need it most. Send someone a quick check-in message, suggest a coffee, or ask a light question before a meeting. It doesn’t have to be deep to make a difference. 

3. Protect your energy

If certain interactions leave you feeling drained, give yourself permission to step back. Try to spend more time with colleagues who lift you up – and less with those who don’t. 

4. Look beyond your immediate team

Even if you don’t feel close to your teammates, there are still ways to feel more involved at work. Try joining a staff network, helping on a cross-team project, or joining a workplace social – simple ways to feel more included in the wider organisation. 

5. Find ways to give back

Helping someone else can be a surprisingly powerful way to feel less alone. Could you buddy up with a new starter, offer to mentor someone, or use a volunteer day (if your employer offers one) to support a cause you care about? 

Insights from our community

When 81-year-old Barbara called our Helpline one Friday last winter, she hadn’t spoken to anyone since Monday – when the post arrived. 

A retired bank worker, she’d always been independent – but after a sudden illness, and with her family now living abroad, day-to-day life had become isolating. 

So far in this email, we’ve focused on the rise in loneliness among workers. But sadly, we often hear stories like Barbara’s, too. 

With support from us, Barbara now has help at home, a small boost to her income through benefits she was entitled to, and weekly calls with other retired bank workers – people she now calls friends – thanks to our Telephone Friendship Service run in partnership with Age UK. 

As people age, bereavement, illness and mobility issues can make it harder to stay connected. With public services stretched and the population ageing, charities like ours are becoming an increasingly vital lifeline. 

Useful resources

Need more help? If you’re a current or former bank worker, call our Helpline on 0800 0234 834 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm). 

You might also find these resources helpful: 

• Samaritans: If you’re going through a difficult time and need someone to talk to, you can call Samaritans day or night on 116 123 

• Gallup's State of the Workplace report 2024: Research into workplace loneliness and how employers can help tackle it 

• British Red Cross – Loneliness at Work report: Guidance for employers and insights into who’s most affected 

• Campaign to End Loneliness: Advice on managing loneliness, plus research on its causes and impact. 

• Age UK: Support for older people, including information on loneliness and the Silver Line Helpline for friendship and support – call 0800 470 8090 

• Cruse Bereavement Support: Support for anyone struggling with grief – call their helpline on 0808 808 1677 

• Mind – Tips for managing loneliness: Simple, practical ways to cope with loneliness from the mental health charity