Workplace loneliness has significant negative effects on employee mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and decreased job performance. This study explores the role of workplace respect in mitigating the detrimental effects of loneliness on employees’ mental health. By addressing employees' basic psychological needs for belonging, recognition, and self-esteem, respect can be a powerful driver of well-being. Using a diary study approach, 119 employees from a multinational construction company were surveyed over five consecutive days to assess their self-reported perceptions of respect, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Our findings indicate that workplace respect significantly buffers the negative effects of loneliness on depression and anxiety. These results underscore the importance of fostering respect in workplace environments to enhance employee well-being, particularly for remote workers, who are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. Practical implications for leadership and organizational development are discussed.

Authors:
Francesco Cangiano, Rabdan Academy, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Francesco Cangiano is a Professor at Zayed Military University - Rabdan Academy and Honorary Assistant Professor at Bond University (Australia).

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cangianofrancesco

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark