Recent policies of social distancing have created an environment where we are more
distant than ever from each other. Work colleagues, friends and family members are
struggling with these physical distancing policies. But what about the mental
distancing between people that is so often not spoken about? What if someone has
become mentally distanced to the point where they feel socially isolated?
Social Isolation vs. Loneliness
Although there is no universally agreed upon definition for the terms, it is important to
understand the differences between them. Social isolation; refers to a state of
lacking social interaction, or having minimal contact with people. Loneliness is a negative feeling and attitude towards having lower levels of social contact. These are
commonly associated with each other, however, a person who may have a lot of
social interactions (and is therefore not socially isolated) may still perceive
themselves to feel lonely.
Why is this relevant?
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, up to 1 in 10 Australian
adults have reported lacking social support, and one in every two will report
symptoms of loneliness for at least one day each week. The prevalence of people
experiencing social isolation and loneliness is spread across the age spectrum,
highlighting the indiscriminate nature of this condition.
In the current climate of COVID-19, policies of self-isolation, working from home and
the impact on businesses have caused many workers to be disconnected from their
usual community of colleagues and friends. Disconnection from communities,
unemployment, and receiving income support are well known risk factors that
substantially increase the risk in developing loneliness, all of which are being felt
across the country currently.
What are the effects?
The associated impacts of poor mental health are just as detrimental as any physical
health condition. A meta-analysis published in the journal Perspectives on
Psychological Science in 2015 found that poor social connection can heighten
broader health risks, equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and having an
alcohol use disorder, through a reduction in overall immune system function.
Specifically, social isolation was found to be twice as harmful to physical and mental
health as obesity, and can increase the risk of premature death.
Does this have an effect with the workplace in the future?
The evolution of workplace dynamics will inevitably see employees experience this
loneliness and social isolation more and more. ABS data shows full-time
employment is declining, as the rise of part-time, contractor and insecure work
continues to grow. Technology has evolved to a stage where team meetings,
medical consultations and business gatherings can be completed over a
teleconference call. Office workers can be equally productive while working in the
comfort of their own home. However, this has big implications with limiting human
connections through face-to-face interactions, which plays an important role in
maintaining our mental and social wellbeing.
The solution? Be aware, be prepared, don’t despair.
Firstly, being self-aware of these feelings, and acknowledging their presence is
important. Be prepared to reach out to your friends and work colleagues, or open up
to a health professional. Studies have shown that engaging in sports clubs or
community organisations has been associated with reduced social isolation.
However, simply engaging in social interactions alone is not enough to reduce
loneliness - it has to be a meaningful relationship. So let’s start talking about this
topic, and make the effort to get together with friends or colleagues regularly. Better
yet, be part of a wellness tribe inside and outside of the workplace that promotes
physical and mental wellbeing.
