Loneliness at work is one of the biggest factors derailing employee engagement and productivity and undermining organizational success.

Loneliness has long received a public health warning, and during the pandemic it was a major concern. Today, loneliness continues to impact workers, hurting collaboration, productivity, and innovation.

When productivity declines, it can negatively hinder career development and growth, which further impacts workers’ sense of achievement and accomplishment. This frustrating dynamic becomes something of a doom spiral: A sense of aimlessness, loneliness, and disconnectedness, which can in turn further hurt teams.

In my work as an executive coach, I’ve helped dynamic leaders and avoidant or disengaged employees combat their loneliness and find their connection and meaning at work. Here, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the key trait that helps employees progress, and practical steps to move away from loneliness and towards feeling engaged again.

LEARN FROM THOSE AROUND YOU

Based on my work with over 20 international cohorts using Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment tool, I have found that workers with a learning mindset are more likely to thrive. In my experience, employees with a love of learning are more likely to be promoted.

People with a love of learning have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process (rather than the outcome) of learning, excites them. They also actively seek to understand and solve issues. This in turn often makes them more successful and connected to others.

Unfortunately, economic and social challenges can make workers feel unsafe to connect and learn from each other. This can make many employees feel that they’re safer working in isolation rather than seeking out environments of collaboration.

If you want to feel less lonely at work, I recommend downloading an audiobook that relates to something you want to learn, or asking friends for recommendations to help you find new topics of interest.

You can also try meeting with a colleague in person once a week with the goal of learning from them. Repeat the process with new colleagues until you’ve created an ecosystem of growth that you find engaging and rewarding.

EMBRACE AND ADAPT TO NEW NORMS

Remember the pandemic nostalgia of “back to normal”? Many of us were stuck mourning our old lives. However, today 59% of Americans have not yet returned to pre-pandemic activities. We will remain stuck and lonely unless we decide to try something new and actively embrace our new world. Start with one exploratory step forward at work or in your community to ease any feelings of isolation you may have.

By being willing to adapt to ever-evolving social and environmental norms, you will feel less lonely and more present. Plus, by embracing your “new normal” you can develop a better sense of belonging and help those around you adjust as well. Consider discussing topics at work such as the future of work, AI, or climate change with your coworkers.

What’s more, learning today’s new norms can improve self-esteem, help you feel connected to something greater than oneself, and make you feel more secure when meeting new people.

CREATE YOUR OWN TEAM OF ADVISERS

Another thing you can do to feel less lonely at work is to create your own team of advisers. By intentionally selecting a group of people you trust, you can establish sustainable and productive relationships.

There are several ways you can curate a team of personal advisers. First, ask your company for a leadership or business coach to help you reach key goals. You can also reach out to leaders you respect and establish a mentor/mentee relationship.

Focusing on your health can also help you feel more connected. For instance, you can also review your company’s benefits and select a therapist who can help with any evergreen psychological challenges you’d like to work through and resolve. Even just getting a routine checkup with your doctor and dentist can help you feel less alone. Finally, you can hire a personal trainer who can kick-start your motivation and help you connect with others through physical fitness.

By learning from those around you, embracing new norms, and creating a team of advisers, anyone can help feel more connected at work. The beauty of investing in connecting with others is that your work is likely to help those around you feel less lonely as well.