How Loneliness At Work Can Strain A Leader’s Closest Relationships

Business leadership roles can inherently foster loneliness, a condition that affects both the quality and length of life. A 2023 advisory by Dr. Vivek Murthy highlighted links between poor social connection and cardiovascular disease, dementia, and premature death.

Research following 174 managers in the U.K. found that morning loneliness led to afternoon daydreaming or limited employee conversations, which caused managers to check out from family and friends that evening. This evening withdrawal subsequently increased their loneliness on the following workday. A separate experiment with 185 managers also linked temporary loneliness to workplace withdrawal.

To manage these challenges, executives can seek support from trusted peers outside the company who understand leadership pressures.