There appears to be no shortage of workplace challenges arising from the disruptions in the post-pandemic era. When managers aren’t struggling to integrate the independent streak of some Gen-Z employees into business practices, they’re on the lookout for signs of burnout , disengagement, or the recently identified threat of quiet cracking . Experts now warn employers to be attentive to another growing problem—the bane of loneliness afflicting increasing numbers of people on the job. The latest observer to sound the alarm about workplace loneliness is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The organization on Tuesday published a commentary calling on employers to take action to identify and begin addressing cases of people on staff feeling isolated , unconnected, and unappreciated while at work. The post stressed that employees experiencing loneliness even while surrounded by colleagues is, “not just a personal problem that takes a toll on someone’s well-being—it’s impacting how people perform at work and grow in their careers.” The Chamber’s pointed reminder is only the most recent in a series of alerts. The first of those was issued with the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 “ Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation ” report, which cited studies showing “approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness” in their post-pandemic lives and work. In addition to the regret and sadness that produces, the paper said the condition also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.” Since then, similar attention has been focused on workplaces. Last year a Gallup poll found that 20 percent of participating employees said they suffered from loneliness while doing their jobs. To be sure, that survey found people working entirely remote were more prone to saying they felt lonely than hybrid or in-office staff. But it still called the increasingly prevalent condition a serious risk to all business staff, regardless of their specific work arrangements. Just how does that manifest as a problem? According to Gartner’s 2025 Future of Workplace Trends report, the condition leads to increased employee disengagement, reduced productivity , dwindling career ambition, and growing alienation from colleagues that can erode workplace ambience and wider company culture. “ Loneliness is emerging as a significant factor affecting employee performance and engagement,” Gartner’s January report said. “Recognizing it as a business risk, organizations are exploring ways to foster connections and support among employees.” In rare cases, a worker’s abrasive personality or unwillingness to fully integrate with colleagues may be the main source of their loneliness. But more commonly, Gartner said, it comes from feeling they’re not connecting with, being appreciated, or even noticed by workplace peers. Because that established dynamic deepens people’s sense of isolation over long periods, employer attempts to resolve it by ordering more collaboration or creating teams often doesn’t result fixing they problem quickly as hoped. So what can company owners and managers do to respond to and remedy loneliness among about 20 percent of their employees? According to a recent Harvard Business School Review article , trying the following steps is a good start. “ Combating workplace loneliness requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual and organizational factors,” said Holly Grogan, chief experience officer at workplace experience platform Appspace, in a recent blog post on the problem. “By fostering a culture of connection, providing opportunities for social interaction, and promoting employee engagement, companies can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and truly connected.” The early-rate deadline for the 2025 Inc. Power Partner Awards is this Friday, June 27, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now .