4 ways businesses can combat the UK's loneliness 'epidemic'

Pick up the phone and talk

“We know that home-working can be an isolating modus operandi, as can being an engineer or delivery driver, alone in a van with a stylus and tablet,” Reeves wrote. “It is not a major burden to provide space for staff to socialise and to encourage them to phone each other rather than always using email.”

Furthermore, with automation taking away the need to interact face-to-face, Reeves advises bringing in that personal element. For example: “Supermarkets with their self-service checkouts might introduce a slow lane or a cafe in store. All banks should follow the example of those who, alongside their automated teller machines and apps, put on extra staff in branch to preserve a personal touch.”

Break down the stigma around time off…