More and more people are feeling tired and lonely at work. No manager should want their team members to be disconnected and disengaged. You can help counter these feelings by encouraging your team to forge bonds with their colleagues. Tell them how important it is to have a developmental network — a small group of coworkers they routinely turn to for advice or emotional support. Connect employees with coaches and peers, and assign new employees a mentor. Offer to introduce employees who you think have things in common, including hobbies and interests outside work. Make sure everyone knows that you believe friendly relationships are a worthwhile use of time so that they don’t hesitate to go out for coffee with a colleague or block out time on their calendars to chat and catch up.
Adapted from "Burnout at Work Isn't Just About Exhaustion. It's Also About Loneliness," by Emma Seppala and Marissa King
