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Social connection at work

Discover how employers can promote social connection and why it is important for overall employee health and wellbeing.

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Spotting signs of social disconnection

Social disconnection at work can lead to poor teamwork, low job satisfaction and a higher risk of burnout and mental health challenges.

Recognising the warning signs early allows employers to address the root causes effectively and proactively.

Key signs to watch for include:

Declining engagement and participation

A noticeable drop in participation during meetings, reluctance to share ideas or disinterest in team activities may indicate growing disconnection.

Increased absenteeism or tardiness

Frequent lateness or unexplained absences can be a way for employees to cope with feelings of isolation or disengagement.

Reduced work quality

Missed deadlines, frequent errors or a general decline in performance may signal low motivation or emotional withdrawal.

Negative attitude or low morale

Apathy, low energy or ongoing complaints can reflect emotional disconnection and dissatisfaction with the workplace.

Neglected appearance or workspace

A noticeable decline in personal grooming or workspace upkeep may point to a deeper sense of disconnection or stress.

Page last reviewed: 28th July 2025

A group of business people standing in a room talking to each other.