Have you ever heard the phrase, “lonely in a crowd?” More than being physically alone, loneliness is a psychological phenomenon, a state of mind. If you feel alone, you are and will be lonely. Loneliness can occur irrespective of where one is. It can happen when working remotely from home, in a social gathering, or even when engaged in a heated discussion. Isolation occurs when we feel disconnected. Unfortunately, workplace loneliness is becoming more common. As work demands increase and individuals work across teams and departments, some employees find it more difficult to be connected to their colleagues. They may feel alone and isolated. Compounding this problem is the increased use of digital communication. Water cooler conversations may be replaced by emails and face to face communication may be less frequent making it more difficult to form meaningful relationships.
Connectedness is a basic human need. From the earliest times, people have reached out in small groups and communities to build meaningful relationships. Within these groups, individuals often learn to validate who they are and what gives them a sense of meaning. The workplace is no different. The workplace is a community and provides a place where people come together for a common purpose and to connect. The culture of the workplace determines the extent to which people can easily and naturally feel connected with one another and the organization. If, for example, work culture is very formal and structure, it may be more difficult for people to “be themselves” and create genuine relationships.
Today, workers spend more time at the office than they do at home. They are looking for an environment that allows them to connect. Millennials want their workplace to be a second home. They want to express themselves and let down their guard without judgment or fear of retribution. When people do not have the opportunity to connect, they may become isolated and feel a sense of loneliness.
Vulnerability can be an Asset
Lonely employees not only impact themselves, they have a negative impact on the company as well. They are more likely to burnout, make mistakes, be dissatisfied at work, and have health problems.
Loneliness is the product of the organization and its culture. Organizations, and even managers who have effective leadership and management skills in entrepreneurship, are challenged to find ways to combat the loneliness felt by some employees. Knowing what to do can be difficult for managers who may already feel overwhelmed. Lonely employees can be helped when a manager is willing to show his/her own vulnerability. This openness can reduce fear and allow the employee to feel comfortable in expressing themselves. In the mutual reaching out to one another, trust is enhanced, communication becomes more real and the quality of relationship improves while decreasing loneliness.
Peer Coaching can Break Barriers
Peer coaching is a way for employers to provide support that can result in positive change and improved work performance. Some may argue that peer coaching systems are simply lower-priced counseling sessions. Peer coaching differs from counseling in several ways: First, it is not therapy. Second, it is a peer to peer relationship, not an employee to therapist relationship. Third, the peer nature may make the relationship more collegial and thus be perceived as safer. Fourth, the peer relationship which develops may enhance teamwork and strengthen team participation. Fifth, the employee may be more motivated to change behavior and align with group goals when he/she feels a sense of accountability to a peer member.
Peer coaching can be very important in addressing workplace loneliness. The investment in a peer coaching process signals that office culture is shifting. It communicates the importance of the individual, their uniqueness, and the important role that each individual plays in the organization. Differences may become more valued and individual strengths recognized. Best of all, employees often find that they are able to speak more openly and honestly while also connecting with one another. Managers also benefit. As employees experience interest and caring from their manager, employees are more willing to trust the intentions of their managers.
When an organization has a peer coaching system in place:
1. Workplace Culture Changes from Formal to more Personal.
When employees see that they can build more meaningful connections at work, and have a trustworthy support system in place, they will begin to see their workplace as a source of personal growth and development. When employees feel they are helping and being helped, they are empowered.
2. Social Media goes Beyond the Screen
Today, people use their phones to avoid engaging in conversation. Opportunities to enter dialogue with others are wasted as people browse through their social media, take selfies, or send emails rather than have a conversation with coworkers. Peer coaching can help re-engage people by providing opportunities to talk with one another. When the communication is free of judgment mutual understanding and shared purpose may result.
3. Psychological Safety is Increased
Like professional counseling, peer coaching provides one-on-one dialogue. It generally happens more than once and generally occurs over a period of time. Successful peer coaching is predicated upon the existence of a safe environment in which feelings and opinions can be expressed. Within the context of safety new behaviors can be explored while providing a sense of dignity and understanding for individuals.
Workplace loneliness is ubiquitous; yet, is often hidden wrapped in a culture of silent denial. When it exists, it can have devastating consequences for the individual and for the organization. Peer coaching is one approach to addressing workplace loneliness. It can reduce feelings of isolation and build important relationships among all workers.
Peer coaching can empower employees increasing employee satisfaction and increasing overall organizational productivity.
https://hbr.org/2018/10/how-peer-coaching-can-make-work-less-lonely