Author: Ryan Jenkins
We are only as unified as our loneliest team or Disconnected Worker community members. No one is immune to feeling lonely at work—not even the outgoing top sales associate, the customer success representative that brings her dog into the office, or the charming vice president who always declines every happy hour invitation due to “overcommitments.” Entry-level […]
We are only as unified as our loneliest team or Disconnected Worker community members.
No one is immune to feeling lonely at work—not even the outgoing top sales associate, the customer success representative that brings her dog into the office, or the charming vice president who always declines every happy hour invitation due to “overcommitments.” Entry-level employees and managers share the same levels of average loneliness.
Since loneliness is a universal human condition and everyone is susceptible to experiencing it at work, it’s crucial that we know how to spot it in others. This is especially important because someone who experiences isolation and loneliness is likely to turn inward, become hypervigilant of personal emotions, and avoid others.
If avoiding loneliness was as easy as telling someone to go to happy hour, call a friend, or get a pet, then over half of workers wouldn’t be experiencing loneliness on a weekly basis. Because isolated people turn inward instead of outward for help, it’s up to the collective to proactively look for loneliness in others and pull them back into the tribe. In short, we are only as unified as our loneliest Disconnected Worker team or community members.
How to Spot a Lonely Disconnected Worker
At work, leaders and close colleagues are best positioned to spot workers struggling with loneliness. The signs may be subtle, but paying close attention is crucial to building strongly connected and resilient teams.
Here are 10 common identifiers of lonely workers. As an exercise, think of someone on your team you suspect might be feeling lonely. Which of the following applies to that person?
1. Sloppy Work
Careless behaviors, a decrease in work quality, or irresponsibility from a usually dependable worker are indicators of potential loneliness. Sloppy work is a key indicator that people are working with a lessened sense of connection to either the team or their work.
Examples:
2. Lack of Learning and Development
Curiosity and a growth mindset are good indicators of employee engagement. When employees are leaning into learning, they show a level of optimism about their future. When they don’t, it could be because they are disengaged or Disconnected Worker.
Examples:
3. Change in Routine
Engaged employees tend to be reliable, with recognizable routines. Reliable employees whose routines change might be an indicator of a growing sense of isolation.
Examples:
4. Stops Offering Input
Feelings of insecurity are associated with loneliness. When workers stop offering suggestions or participating in goal setting, it could be because they do not want to be seen.
Examples:
5. Skips or Resents Meetings
Lonely people, paradoxically, may avoid others. Not showing up or arriving routinely late to meetings could indicate a disconnected worker. Lonely people can also be hostile to those around them.
Examples:
6. Only Talks Work
Disconnected Worker are often unwilling to talk about non-work-related items. Only talking about work is a signal that someone isn’t interested in developing connections.
Examples:
7. Limited Interaction with Coworkers
Absent on communication platforms, long delays between communications, or avoiding small work gatherings are indicators that a worker might feel isolated.
Examples:
8. An Apathetic Attitude
An unwillingness to present or defend ideas, fulfill commitments, or be accountable can be a sign of loneliness. Lonely people often demonstrate more negativity.
Examples:
9. Unkempt Appearance
A disorderly workspace or appearance can be an indication of an indifference to establishing connections with fellow workers.
Examples:
10. Excessive Working
Just as disconnecting from work could be a sign of Disconnected Worker, spending too much time working as a way to avoid personal responsibilities can point to an imbalance in social relationships. Taking on too much work can be leveraged as an excuse to avoid professional and personal social interactions.
Examples:
Disconnected Worker is a subjective experience, so there are no hard-and-fast rules about what it looks like. Many people may hide their feelings for fear of embarrassment, or because they don’t want to appear weak. This can make loneliness difficult to identify. As a member of a team, your best approach is to take the time to get to know and really understand others. This will help you to recognize when someone is feeling disconnected or left out by the rest of the team.
Ryan Jenkins is a generations speaker and expert.
Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Twitter
The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
Do your Data-Driven Marketing efforts feel like a shot in the dark? It doesn’t have to be that way. With the power of today’s abundance of data, brands can use a measured and data-driven approach to build an agile and compelling customer experience. According to Tiffany Perkins-Munn, Head of Data and Analytics at J.P. Morgan Chase, […]
Suddenly half the world is working from home and many of us have new workplace surroundings to adapt to. Remember folks, it’s not the most intelligent or fittest of the species who will survive, it’s those who can swiftly adapt to change. I’ve spent huge chunks of my career working from home, so here are […]
While microwave ovens were created for convenience here is Why You Should Toss Your Microwave, the dangers and negative effects you are about to read just may make you want to stop using it altogether. As more research has been done, studies have shown that not only the microwave itself can cause danger to […]
This week in my 3 minute leadership roles with Jones Zone, I talk about the importance in finding balance between Humility and Ambition. Why You Need To Be More Humbitious In Your Approach To Leadership Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Twitter
Your first time as a manager is a learning experience as much as anything else and what is the best way to build trust? How do you lead your team well? Who should you hire? Where do you draw the boundaries with former colleagues who are now direct-reports? WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BUILD TRUST? […]
Why is a 216-year-old voluntary member-based organisation like the Cape Chamber of Commerce thriving under lockdown? It shouldn’t – when times get tough, members will look at their expenses and cut those that are ‘voluntary’. People tend to pay their utilities, because if you don’t pay, you don’t get to play. And heaven forbid we […]
Things that were no-brainers in meetings two years ago are now fraught with public health and Meetings Etiquette concerns. How do you ask whether someone is OK shaking hands? How do you indicate that you yourself aren’t comfortable—or that you are? How do you indicate someone is too physically close for comfort? Before walking into […]
When the Chief Marketing Officer mentions brand values in the boardroom they can be treated with disdain and Why your brand needs values. Eyes roll. Disparaging glances are passed. Brand marketing mumbo jumbo. Nothing could be further from the truth. Brand values are important. They are powerful brand assets. This post explains why. Values influence […]
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
