Workplace loneliness is real: Why connection matters more than ever

There has been a lot made in recent years about the state of mental health in the U.S.

The Office of the Surgeon General highlighted societal trends from 2003 to 2023, including 24 hours per month more social isolation and 20 hours less social engagement with friends since 2003. Those are sweeping changes in just 20 years. Amidst this nationwide shift in our communities, recent research by Reward Gateway | Edenred sheds light on an associated challenge – workplace loneliness.

Nearly 40% of U.S. workers report feeling lonely while at work.

The August 2025 survey of 1,000 U.S. employees highlights the impacts this finding has on people and on business:

• Lower job satisfaction: More than 6 in 10 (63%) of respondents agree that workplace friendships significantly contribute to their job satisfaction.
• Decreased retention: Almost a quarter (24%) of employees have considered moving on from their current job because they feel a lack of connections at work.

Millennials are the loneliest.

Diving deeper into the data, it appears that younger employees are feeling the pinch the most. Among Gen Z workers, about 40% report experiencing workplace loneliness, while nearly half of Millennials (49%) echo these sentiments. In contrast, Gen X and Baby Boomers/Silent Generation report lower levels, at 35% and just 15%, respectively. Interestingly, Millennials are also the most at ease with sharing personal challenges and successes at 63%, compared to the 56% average.

It's draining Gen Z’s motivation.

When it comes to engagement, it’s Gen Z who express feeling the negative effects of loneliness most acutely. About 27% say that a lack of meaningful relationships with coworkers hampers their motivation to engage at work – compared to 15% of Millennials, 16% of Gen X, and a mere 9% of Baby Boomers/Silent Generation. Meanwhile, men (20%) are more likely than women (12%) to have walked away from a job due to feeling disconnected from coworkers.

We need more than team-building.

While many employees crave connection, fewer than half (just 47%) participate in team-building or social activities arranged by their employers. Millennials are leading the charge here, with 60% engaging in these events, but Gen Z (43%), Gen X (40%), and Baby Boomers/Silent Generation (33%) lag behind. It begs the question – are employers really hitting the mark when it comes to fostering connection?

So, what’s the takeaway?

Inside and outside of work, our people are lonely.

For organizations looking to improve their workplace culture and retain top talent, investing in meaningful relationships among employees is key.

Reward Gateway | Edenred’s Employee Experience Platform can help managers champion a culture of recognition and appreciation, making it easier for teams to connect authentically.

Empowering peer-to-peer comms at Superior Plus Propane

Superior Plus Propane’s “Fueling Connections” blog gives employees and leaders alike a platform to share training opportunities, regional news, celebrations, shout-outs and company updates. The scheduled posts and town halls have given leadership the visibility needed to increase trust, connection and team spirit in times of change. According to Communications Manager, Jennifer Wasilisin:

We’re seeing a steady stream of employees sharing updates and praise. Our Reward Gateway | Edenred Platform has helped us create this space where people feel empowered to communicate, and we’re proud to see that engagement grow.

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