Belonging at work: Is workplace loneliness a new epidemic?

Picture this: You are walking into a room where everyone instantly welcomes you – your coworkers are laughing at your jokes, your boss values your ideas, and being at work makes you feel at home.

Now imagine the opposite: you are sitting alone at lunch, your voice goes unheard in meetings, and you end each day with the sinking feeling that you just don’t fit in.

That’s the difference a sense of belonging makes.

Belonging: A basic human need, not a workplace luxury

But is it just a nice-to-have, or something deeper? Psychologists argue that a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need, hardwired into our DNA as an evolutionary survival mechanism. Humans have always depended on social groups for survival. Being excluded from a tribe once meant a lower chance of accessing resources, protection, and support.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2024), psychological safety – the ability to express oneself without fear – directly impacts whether employees feel like they belong. Research even suggests that social rejection triggers the same brain regions as physical pain, reinforcing that belonging isn’t just a want; it’s a necessity.

Workplace loneliness: The silent crisis affecting young professionals

Fast-forward to today, and workplace loneliness is a silent epidemic.

According to the APA 2024 survey, 45% of workers aged 18-25 feel isolated on the job – far more than older colleagues. Yet, connection is a lifeline: even casual "water cooler chats" with coworkers – what researchers call "weak ties" – boost life satisfaction almost as much as close relationships.

Companies investing billions in diversity programs often overlook this simple truth: inclusion isn’t just about policies – it’s about making people feel seen, safe, and valued.

Why workplace belonging is a game-changer

But how does a sense of belonging translate into our work?

The latest Randstad Workmonitor report reveals that a sense of community in the workplace is more important than ever. So, what does this mean for job seekers and employers alike?

The numbers don’t lie. Across generations, a strong sense of workplace belonging is a universal priority:

• 84% of Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers say they want to feel like part of a community at work.
• 80%+ of employees across all job levels (physical laborers, technicians, administrative staff, and specialists) value workplace belonging.
• 8 in 10 employees believe that feeling part of a team makes them more effective at work.

What is more, employees are increasingly willing to take action when these needs aren’t met.

In 2024, 37% of workers would quit due to a lack of belonging – but in 2025, that number has skyrocketed to 55%. This shift highlights the growing importance of workplace culture in job satisfaction and retention.

Toxic workplaces are driving employees away

For many job seekers, avoiding toxic work environments is now just as important as finding a job itself. In 2025, 44% of workers quit due to toxic workplace culture, a sharp rise from 33% in 2024 (Randstad, 2025). The trend is particularly strong among:

• Millennials (50%) and Gen Z (49%), who prioritize workplace values more than older generations.
• Women (46%), who are more likely than men (42%) to leave toxic jobs.

Even more striking, 37% of workers now say they would rather be unemployed than stay in a job that makes them unhappy. That’s a clear sign that job seekers are demanding better work environments – and employers need to take note.

Employers spend millions on diversity and inclusion initiatives, but without fostering real connection, they might just be missing the mark.

After all, we all long to belong.

References:

American Psychological Association, (2024). A sense of belonging is crucial for employees. How employers can foster connection in the workplace.

Randstad, (2025). Ranstad Workmonitor 2025 Report.