In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Amy Gilliland about how companies can be the solution to the loneliness epidemic. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Amy discussed the growing issue of loneliness, particularly among younger generations and veterans, and its impact on mental health. They highlighted the challenges faced by parents and the current state of youth in terms of loneliness and social isolation, and the role organizations can play in fostering a sense of community and belonging among their employees. They also emphasized the importance of creating a compassionate and accountable culture in the workplace, addressing the loneliness epidemic, and providing resources for employees to navigate mental health issues.
Addressing Loneliness and Mental Health Challenges
Jonathan and Amy discussed the growing issue of loneliness, particularly among younger generations and men. They highlighted the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work on exacerbating this problem. Amy, representing General Dynamics Information Technology, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue for their national security mission and the well-being of their employees, many of whom are veterans. They noted the stigma around mental health issues, particularly among veterans, and the heightened rates of suicide among this group. The conversation concluded with the recognition of the significant mental health challenges faced by a quarter to a third of the American population.
Addressing Youth Loneliness and Workplace Relationships
Jonathan and Amy discussed the challenges of being a parent and the current state of youth in terms of loneliness and social isolation. Jonathan, a father of six, shared his experiences with raising teenagers and the difficulties they face. They both agreed that the current generation is facing more challenges than previous ones, with the Surgeon General highlighting loneliness as an epidemic among youth. They also discussed the decline in personal relationships at work, with Amy noting a decrease in the percentage of people knowing their colleagues well on a personal level. The conversation ended with a discussion on the role organizations can play in fostering a sense of community and belonging among their employees.
Addressing Loneliness and Mental Health at Work
Amy discussed the importance of addressing the issue of loneliness in the workplace, suggesting that companies should be deliberate in bringing employees together for collaborative and community-building activities. She highlighted the success of their "Find Your Community" campaign and the role of employee resource groups in fostering connections. Amy also emphasized the need to start a dialogue about mental health at work, acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay, and the importance of having the right resources for employees. Jonathan agreed with Amy's suggestions, emphasizing the need for intentionality and thoughtfulness in addressing the issue of loneliness.
Creating a Compassionate and Accountable Workplace Culture
Amy and Jonathan discussed the importance of creating a compassionate and accountable culture in the workplace. They agreed that organizations should strive to be a company with a soul, where employees feel valued and supported. They also highlighted the need for open dialogue and transparency, as well as the importance of addressing the loneliness epidemic. Amy shared that GDIT has launched a "How Are You Really?" campaign, which includes free resources for managers and employees to help them navigate difficult conversations and mental health issues. Jonathan encouraged the audience to reach out to Amy and her team for more information and to strive for a company with a soul.
Listen to the webinar here:
