With our workplaces changing dramatically in recent years, many Americans are feeling really, really lonely even in rooms full of cubicles.
No wonder, those places, offices, virtual or in person, are often demoralizing. They’re a tradeoff. Most of us spend much of our lives working to eat and shop instead of more fulfilling reasons. Instead, we’re stuck in a sea of virtual meetings and chats.
Research from Signa argues that these meetings are making things worse, causing weaker connections with our co-workers. In fact "very lonely" people tend to have more meetings than others.
And that’s costing businesses a lot – about $154 billion annually – from staff turnover and more employee absences.
“It makes it harder to go in and give it your all if you didn’t feel like anyone is there rooting for you,” Nick Skarda told the Wall Street Journal. He’s 29. Working two jobs in San Diego, he added that he barely knows his colleagues and feels a “sort of an emptiness or lack of belonging.”
Nick, I feel your pain. I struggle with it too.
But the answers you and I are seeking are outside our offices. These places exist to use and discard our labor. The answers are in the life we build, the life we keep, not the life we get paid to borrow.
What are your thoughts? What advice do you have for Nick? Let me know at jamesbrowntv.substack.com.
On that note, I'm James Brown, and as always be well.
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