What feelings do the words “COVID lockdown” bring for you? For many, it was marked by loneliness and disconnection. The sudden absence of in-person conversations, team gatherings, and everyday interactions left a void that no amount of video calls could fully replace.
Five years on, have your habits changed in any profound way? Do you feel more or less connected? For some, the isolation of lockdown has lingered, leaving a sense of distance and detachment that is hard to shake. For others, the experience was a turning point – an awakening to the importance of relationships and a renewed commitment to fostering deeper bonds. Loneliness, whether temporary or ongoing, has taught us that connection is vital for human flourishing.
Governments and health leaders are paying attention. The UK’s appointment of a Minister for Loneliness highlights that disconnection is not simply a private matter – it is a national health concern. Research reveals that loneliness can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing risks of heart disease, depression, and premature death (Holt-Lunstad et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2015). The “loneliness epidemic” has become one of the defining wellbeing challenges of our era.
Belonging is powerful. Belonging is more than just being part of a group – it is the felt sense of being valued, included, and supported. It is the antidote to loneliness. When we belong, we gain the confidence, safety, and encouragement to grow. Without it, we withdraw, disengage, and limit our potential.
Beyond the workplace, strong social ties consistently predict greater life satisfaction and higher achievement of personal goals. When we are supported by others, we are more willing to take risks, more capable of sustaining effort, and more likely to reach our potential.
Friendships and connections, at work and in life, matter. They are the foundation of trust, wellbeing, and growth. By nurturing these relationships, leaders have a powerful role to play in ensuring those around them feel they truly belong.
Leaders can strengthen belonging and help people feel more connected, by:
- Check in with genuine care – make time to ask how people are really doing, beyond tasks or performance updates.
- Be fully present – listen actively and acknowledge contributions, so every voice feels heard and valued.
- Prioritise face-to-face connection – create opportunities to meet in person, whether through team gatherings, mentoring conversations, or shared experiences that build trust.
- Create inclusive spaces – ensure no one feels left out by inviting diverse perspectives and encouraging participation in decision – making and social activities.
- Celebrate progress and milestones – recognise achievements, both big and small, so individuals feel seen and appreciated.
Perhaps the greatest lesson of the pandemic years is this: we cannot achieve our ambitions in isolation. Productivity, creativity, and innovation are collective achievements, born out of shared energy and trust. You are always welcome in my circle. By being here for one another, we can all achieve more – together.
