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Loneliness in Young Adult Workers

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah L. Wright

    (Department of Management, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand)

  • Anthony G. Silard

    (Center for Sustainable Leadership, Luiss Business School, 00162 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Loneliness is commonly associated with older people with the majority of research and interventions focusing on loneliness in aged and aging populations. However, loneliness seems to be on the rise for young adults more so than the elderly. Our research focusses on the experiences of young workers who report feeling lonely at work. We explore individual and organisational factors that may be contributing to loneliness, and comment on the consequences of feeling lonely at work. Qualitative data from 37 young adults from Western Europe suggest that these workers feel invisible at work, have a thwarted sense of belonging to their employing organisation, and often experience relational deficiencies due to automation and individualisation of work practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah L. Wright & Anthony G. Silard, 2022. "Loneliness in Young Adult Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14462-:d:963360
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hyo Sun Jung & Min Kyung Song & Hye Hyun Yoon, 2021. "The Effects of Workplace Loneliness on Work Engagement and Organizational Commitment: Moderating Roles of Leader-Member Exchange and Coworker Exchange," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Öge, Ercan & Çetin, Mehmet & Top, Seyfi, 2018. "The effects of paternalistic leadership on workplace loneliness, work family conflict and work engagement among air traffic controllers in Turkey," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 25-35.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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