ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the loneliness as a property of the organisation. It suggests that attending to the work environment, rather than only remedying personal factors, may help reduce workplace loneliness and its consequences. The chapter explores the notion that what might appear to be a quintessential individualistic experience-workplace loneliness-is not only a function of the individual but is also, in part, a property of the organization. It chapter explains the importance to look carefully at the organizational environment to determine how contextual factors can affect an individual's experience of loneliness. It describes the loneliness that needs to be understood as an individual variable as well as being a property of the organization. This chapter highlights the various ways the social environment can operate on the individual, either causing or perpetuating loneliness. It also deals with the job and organizational characteristics, such as broken social networks, a negative emotional climate, and interpersonal conflict, can contribute to loneliness.
