In a recent Inc. article, it stated that employees are incredibly lonely today.
They point out that according to the Surgeon General, loneliness is actually a national emergency. The disconnection at work is a huge part of the problem. The Inc. article states, “The epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been underappreciated. And it’s a public health crisis.”
If you can believe it, the article says that being lonely is worse than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And it states it is also bad for business.
The article points out that CEOs have particularly high levels of loneliness. And that the number of people claiming to have work friends has dropped dramatically.
Some people can attribute this to the increase in remote work or also just general exhaustion.
The article states that work friends cause us to be more productive, resilient, and engaged and less stressed.
It is based upon a principle that we find in nature. It is common knowledge that wolves hunt more successfully in packs. Penguins share warmth in huddles and fish swim in schools for protection. The power of unity and team is clearly a proven advantage in nature.
The recommendation in the article is that bosses need to foster feelings of connection and belonging at work.
It also brings to light some significance in certain numbers:
The number 40 – It takes 40 seconds for loneliness to lessen during a two person interaction.
The number 1 – The number of work friends it takes to feel less lonely.
The number 5 – The number of minutes it takes in a team meeting to share something personal to feel more connected.
The article points out that it’s one way of making people feel less lonely if we pay attention to these types of interactions.
Also, opening meetings with 5 minutes of non-work conversation is not a waste of time. But it can give some connection time in order for the meeting to be successful. It will make them feel more welcome. And more connected.
If you have any questions about this information or title insurance, please contact Ralph Aponte: 732.914.1400.
Counsellors Title Agency, www.counsellorstitle.net, founded in 1996, is one of New Jersey’s most respected title agencies, serving all 21 New Jersey counties with title insurance, clearing title, escrow, tidelands searches, and closing and settlement services for commercial or industrial properties, waterfront properties and marinas, condominiums, townhouses or residential single-family homes. Counsellors Title also features its own Attorney Settlement Assistance Program™ [ASAP], which is an individual resource customized to fit the needs specifically of real estate attorneys, including, Documentation, Preparation, Disbursement of Funds, Attendance at Closing, HUD Preparation or Post-Closing Matters.
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