Believe it or not, loneliness is one of the fastest-growing health epidemics in the world. While we are more ‘connected’ – think Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and email – than ever before, the rates of loneliness have doubled since the 1980s.

Loneliness is not something that can be ignored. Researchers say that loneliness and a lack of social connections can reduce life expectancy in the same way as smoking 15 cigarettes a day can, and it is even more dangerous than the risks associated with obesity.

Loneliness is also associated with a greater risk of heart disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. At work, loneliness reduces performance, limits creativity, and impairs reasoning and decision-making.

Find a friend
The gurus all agree: one way to beat workplace loneliness is having a close friend at work.

Studies show that workers who have close friendships at work, are generally healthier, more productive and handle stress better than those who don’t.

A report compiled by Gallup in 2014, notes that workers who had a ‘best friend’ at work were found to be seven times more likely to be more successful with their projects and deliver better results.

Learn from soldiers
“Studies have shown that soldiers form strong bonds during missions in part because they believe in the purpose of the mission, rely on each other, and share the good and the bad as a team,” writes Christine M. Riordan, provost and professor of management at the University of Kentucky.

Camaraderie promotes a group loyalty that results in a shared commitment to and discipline toward the work, she notes. “Camaraderie at work improves mutual respect and a sense of identity.”

According to Dr David Ostberg, Vice President of Selection Science at Evolv, the more socially entrenched a person is in a company, the more they are able to deal with the normal challenges of their position.

Make friends and flourish
Socialising with your colleagues is essential for your career,” says Alexander Kjerulf, an international author on happiness at work.

“If you’re not able to relate to your colleagues as human beings and build positive relationships, your career will suffer. Socialising and getting to know them as people will help you to communicate better, trust each other more and work better together.

“Also, employees who have positive workplace relationships are happier at work (in fact, good workplace relationships are one of the most important sources of workplace happiness) and we know that people who are happy at work are more productive, more creative and more successful overall.”

So what are you waiting for? Make a good friend at work today!

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