Employers must unite to help reduce the reported 20% of lonely employees around the world by providing suitable health and wellbeing support. 

This is according to a recent report by Towergate Health & Protection and follows Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report which reveals that one in five of the world’s employees experience daily loneliness.   

Stress and loneliness can be exacerbated for those working overseas, away from home. This can be for a number of reasons, including difficulties with making friends in unfamiliar countries, which may come down to language or cultural barriers. It may be because an employee works on a global basis and does not stay anywhere long enough to put down roots. Or it may be due to the stress of being away from family, and the pressures of making the assignment a success.  

Loneliness of employees differs around the world  

According to Gallup’s research employee’s suffer different degrees of loneliness depending on where they live in the world; 

• South Asia are most likely to suffer from loneliness (29%) 

• Sub-Saharan Africa (26%) 

• Middle East and North Africa (23%) 

• Employees in Australia and New Zealand are least likely to experience loneliness (13%) 

Employment itself actually decreases loneliness. In fact the figures show that working people are less lonely (20%) than those who are unemployed (32%). And working onsite is associated with lower reported loneliness (16%) than working remotely (25%). Loneliness affects 22% of employees under 35, compared to 19% of those over 35.

Understand the circumstances to improve engagement and reduce loneliness   

Employers need to be aware of global differences and the cultural distinctions that may impact employees working overseas. Engaged employees are less likely to feel lonely, with only 17% experiencing loneliness compared to 31% of disengaged employees.

Demonstrating care and connection with employees is key to boosting engagement, but it’s challenging when they work in different countries. Local experts can guide employers on regional specifics and help them understand the needs of overseas employees. This will assist with putting the most appropriate wellbeing support in place.   

Employee health and wellbeing support abroad should include cultural understanding, settling in, and community involvement. For employees who are struggling, access can be provided to specialists who have experienced working abroad and can give specific, tailored advice. Global employee assistance programmes (EAPs) can help with counselling and provide access to mental health specialists.    

Provide support at all levels   

It should also be remembered that loneliness can impact all levels of staff. It is therefore important to ensure that support is in place for all. When managers are supported, they are better able to support others.    

Sarah Dennis, Head of international at Towergate Health & Protection, said :“We find that loneliness is a big issue for overseas employees. Employers must address this issue to prevent poorer mental health, lower productivity, and increased absences. All of which becomes a vicious circle if the appropriate health and wellbeing support is not in place. The key is in providing the right balance so that the positives of social interaction are not overtaken by the negatives of stress.”