Masters of Scale

Rapid Response: Loneliness at work, w/Noreena Hertz, author of The Lonely Century

Dec 29, 2022
Economist Noreena Hertz, a professor at University College London and author of The Lonely Century, dives into the pervasive issue of workplace loneliness. She highlights how loneliness hampers productivity and emphasizes the value of in-person connections over virtual ones. Noreena shares strategies for companies to combat isolation, advocating for kindness and community. She also discusses the dual role of technology in either fostering connection or exacerbating loneliness, urging businesses to prioritize mental health and authentic connections.
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INSIGHT

Loneliness in the 21st Century

  • Loneliness is a defining characteristic of the 21st century, impacting various aspects of life.
  • This includes work, politics, and even our relationships with technology.
ANECDOTE

Students' Loneliness

  • Noreena Hertz observed increasing loneliness among her university students.
  • One university even started offering classes on how to read facial expressions in real life.
INSIGHT

Drivers of Loneliness

  • Technology, especially social media, contributes to increased loneliness.
  • Other factors include urbanization, decline in group activities, and a self-centered capitalist mindset.
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