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Leaders who care about employee well-being are facing a hidden challenge that most aren’t talking about enough: widespread disconnection.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University and Director of the Social Connection & Health Lab, has spent more than two decades showing how human connection — or the lack of it — directly shapes our physical and mental health. Her groundbreaking research helped shape the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on loneliness and isolation, and she is currently leading the landmark Social Connection in America survey, a 25-year national study tracking the true state of social connection across the country.
The early data paints a concerning picture. 41% of American adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time. Nearly three-quarters get together with close relationships only twice a month or less. Many have surprisingly small social networks, and participation in groups or community life has dropped sharply. These patterns matter deeply for organizations because disconnection doesn’t stay at home — it follows people into work.
In our conversation, Julianne explains how weak social connections contribute to higher burnout, increased mental health struggles, lower energy and focus, and greater challenges with retention and performance. She makes a clear case that strong relationships and a genuine sense of belonging are not nice-to-have perks. They are foundational to human health and resilience — and therefore to healthy, high-performing teams.
We explore why disconnection has become so common in modern life, how it quietly affects people at work, and — most importantly — what leaders can actually do about it. Rather than treating connection as an occasional team-building exercise, we discuss how to make building close, supportive relationships and real belonging a consistent part of daily leadership practice.
This conversation offers fresh insight and practical ideas for any leader who wants to create a workplace where people feel truly seen, supported, and connected. Because when individuals feel strong social ties at work, both their well-being and their contribution improve in meaningful ways.If you’re committed to the well-being of your team — and recognize that your own well-being is also tied to the quality of your relationships — this discussion with Julianne will give you new and uncommon perspective, and tools you can put into practice right away.
