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On top of all the challenges currently facing American workers such as lack of job security, political interference, and a yo-yoing economy, it turns out a lot of them are pretty lonely too.
Americans spend more than 90,000 hours of their lives at work, but a new national study reveals that millions of them spend many of those hours without making any meaningful connections with colleagues.
It’s pretty standard in any office or other workplace environment to find certain co-workers that aren’t your cup of tea or that you actively dislike but to not connect with anyone at all seems pretty bleak.
A survey of 2,000 employed US adults, however, commissioned by Bingo Card Creator, has uncovered that one in four Americans say they don’t have a single friend at work, pointing to a growing crisis of connection in the modern workplace.
And it’s not because of any attempt to separate the professional from the personal. Some 46% wish they were closer to their colleagues, and 64% admit they’ve felt lonely at work.
Such loneliness isn’t just a personal struggle, it’s a public health issue too. According to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, social isolation is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and contributes significantly to heart disease, stroke, and early death. In the workplace, the effects are equally dire with Cigna estimating that workplace loneliness costs US employers $300billion annually in lost productivity, turnover, and healthcare.
Culture > compensation?
While 70% of employees report socializing with coworkers outside of work, nearly half (46%) wish they were closer to their colleagues. Among Gen Z, that longing for connection is even stronger, with 60% hoping for tighter workplace friendships.
Geographically, the Midwest shows higher workplace connectedness, with states like Nebraska, Kansas, and Minnesota reporting the fewest friendless workers. In contrast, states like Wyoming, Vermont, and Maine struggle with higher levels of workplace isolation, potentially due to smaller office sizes or greater remote work adoption.
Interestingly, younger workers are reviving the idea of workplace camaraderie. Only 12% of Americans report having a “work spouse” today, while 72% have never had one. Yet Gen Z remains the most open to closer bonds overall.
AI in Hiring: Trends, Insights and Predictions
As AI revolutionizes the recruitment life cycle at warp speed, HR leaders must stay informed about AI’s advantages and its current shortcomings.
How can we adopt these tools to stay competitive and efficient while retaining the human touch that remains critical to optimizing candidate experience, making informed decisions, and, ultimately, building strong teams and cultures?
That is our industry’s biggest challenge as we navigate this new terrain. We hope these insights, tips, and predictions will help drive innovation and excellence in your hiring practice.
Friends without benefits
Workplace friendships do come with risks. A third of workers have witnessed gossip, conflicts, or favoritism arising from close ties at work.
Over a third (35%) of workers have experienced negative consequences such as gossiping or favoritism from having friends at work. But most agree that the benefits outweigh the downsides, with 62% saying that friendships boost morale and motivation.
In a labor market where culture matters more than ever, these findings show that beyond pay and perks, human connection is what truly retains talent. A workplace that encourages authentic friendships can improve loyalty, engagement, and even physical health.
