Loneliness, a global health concern.
Loneliness happens when your need for connection isn’t met, and it’s as much a workplace issue as a personal one. The World Health Organisation has even declared it a global health concern.
During my years caring for patients, the most common pathology I saw was not heart disease or diabetes; it was loneliness.
— US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy (2017)
In Australia, at least one in three feel lonely, and one in six very lonely at any given time, according to the Social Connection in Australia 2023 report. In the USA, research by Cigna found that lonely employees miss five more days work annually than those who are not, and are twice as likely to consider quitting within the next year.
It’s lonely at the top.
As a CEO, you might love your job and have no plans to quit—but that doesn’t make it less lonely. Even with a great team, you’re still ‘the boss’. You have to make decisions about them, and unlike your team, you don’t have peers within your organisation. It can feel isolating.
Many CEOs I’ve spoken to have found relief through having an executive coach or mentor. It’s a space where they can process challenges, get honest feedback, and build strategies to thrive.
Don’t Mistake Work for Family.
It’s easy to think of work as family—it can ease the loneliness of leadership. But work isn’t family. Relationships at work are shaped by professional dynamics and can end, often unexpectedly.
One CEO I worked with learned this the hard way. When a key executive resigned, he was blindsided. He’d assumed their connection was strong enough that she’d share any concerns with him directly. She revealed she had tried—repeatedly—but felt unheard. His misplaced assumption about their bond had kept him from being a skilled, attuned leader who truly listens.
Leaders can’t rely on assumed connections. Building trust takes more than good intentions—it takes active, intentional listening.
Combat loneliness: What you can do.
While loneliness may be an inherent part of the CEO experience, there are steps you can take:
At the organizational level: Foster an inclusive, people-centered culture.
At the team level: Build strong, trusting relationships with your executive team.
At the personal level:
- Accept the inherent loneliness of leadership.
- Seek out a coach or mentor.
- Connect with CEO peers.
- Make time for social connections outside of work.
- Align your work with your values.
- Pursue opportunities for professional growth.
Let’s Talk.
If you’re feeling lonely, there are some great resources to help. Or, you can Book a Call with me—I’m happy to support you.
Want a copy of my upcoming CEO research report? Feel free to contact me, I’ll ensure it’s sent to you as soon as it’s ready.
Image by mhouge from Pixabay
