In a world where change is the norm, where hybrid work models and digital interfaces dominate, I think a key determinant of success will be connection. Let’s explore this a little more.

Michelle H Lim, Scientific Chair of the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness, has labeled loneliness as the next public health epidemic of the 21st century. While loneliness has long been recognized as a societal issue, it’s time we recognized the significant impact on workplace health and culture.

Understanding loneliness in the workplace

Loneliness does not simply mean being alone. When I am working with groups, I often remind them that they would be very surprised by who among them is feeling lonely. Loneliness is not about being alone; it is the feeling of being disconnected despite being surrounded by others.

How do we see this in the workplace? Teams that collaborate but don’t take the time to connect, individuals who feel unseen or unheard, or a culture where ‘busyness’ replaces meaningful interaction.

‘The 2018 Australian Loneliness Report’ revealed that one in four Australians feel lonely each week. Globally, almost half of adult Americans experience loneliness. In the United Kingdom, there is a Minister for Loneliness. For organizations, this means increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and lower morale, and these are just the beginning.

Why loneliness matters for business success

The impact of loneliness goes far beyond individual wellbeing. Research by Julianne Holt-Lunstad and others highlights that loneliness increases the risk of mortality by 26 percent and is linked to poor physical health outcomes like decreased immunity, higher blood pressure and faster cognitive decline.

This plays out in the workplace by contributing to higher healthcare costs, burnout and poor retention rates.

Furthermore, loneliness impacts innovation and creativity, which we are all going to need in this ever-changing world. Employees who feel disconnected are less likely to take risks, collaborate effectively or contribute fresh ideas.

The workplace as a remedy for loneliness

I have worked with organizations most of my working life, so I might be biased, but I think they do hold immense power for change. We all know (or feel) that we spend a lot of time at work. We know that globally 61 percent of the population engage with a workplace in some form.

So it makes sense that at a time when other populations where people are coming together are shrinking, that work needs to be a key focus to combat the loneliness epidemic.

But we can’t just hope it is going to happen. True connection requires intentionality. Teams thrive when their members feel seen and valued as individuals. Organizations that prioritize genuine engagement will create environments where connection flourishes.

The cost of ignoring connection

Consider this: if loneliness triggers stress responses comparable to a physical attack, as research by John Cacioppa suggests, people are walking into work today already heightened even before they turn their computer on or start their day. If we are genuinely interested in psychological health and wellbeing, then this connection needs to be our focus.

I can tell you after 20 years of working with organizations, it is much easier to stop people from falling into the river than to pull them out after they have fallen in. We get so caught up in the busyness that we only notice when people are in trouble. Investing in your people will help them stay well, and that makes a lot of sense from an individual and an organizational perspective.

Thriving in 2025 will require more than just keeping ahead of AI trends. The companies that truly succeed will be those that understand the power of connection – because when employees feel supported and valued, they will bring their best selves to work every day. This is not just good for people – it’s great for business.

Let’s turn workplaces into thriving communities where connection is at the heart of success.

Opinions expressed by The CEO Magazine contributors are their own.