What we covered in our chat
In this episode of the Well Workplaces podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Associate Professor Michelle Lim, founder of Ending Loneliness Together and one of Australia’s leading experts on loneliness, social connection and mental health. As we approached Loneliness Awareness Week 2026, our conversation focused on why loneliness remains such an important issue and what workplaces can do to create environments where people genuinely feel connected.
While awareness of loneliness has grown significantly in recent years, Michelle shared that loneliness and social isolation continue to affect a large proportion of Australians. Despite growing public understanding, progress has been slow because addressing loneliness requires more than awareness, it requires coordinated action across communities, workplaces and society more broadly.
Why connection needs to be intentional
A key theme of our discussion was the 2026 Loneliness Awareness Week theme: Make Room for Connection. Michelle explained that in a rapidly changing and increasingly digital world, meaningful connection can no longer be left to chance. Just as we intentionally prioritise physical health, we also need to be intentional about our social health.
Importantly, making room for connection doesn’t necessarily mean large events, expensive programs or major organisational initiatives. Michelle highlighted that connection is often built through small, consistent actions such as checking in with a colleague, sharing a meal, making time for conversation or simply creating opportunities for people to feel seen and included.
The role workplaces play in preventing loneliness
For HR, health and wellbeing, and health and safety professionals, one of the most valuable insights from this conversation was that workplaces can play a significant role in preventing loneliness before it contributes to more serious wellbeing concerns.
Michelle challenged organisations to think beyond one-off initiatives or tick-box wellbeing activities. Employees are increasingly looking for connection to be embedded into workplace culture, not treated as an occasional extra. Creating an environment where relationships, belonging and teamwork are valued can strengthen wellbeing, improve collaboration and support productivity.
She also emphasised that connection should not be viewed as separate from work. Strong social bonds act as a foundation for trust, creativity, communication and effective teamwork. In many ways, connection is not a distraction from performance, it helps enable it.
Navigating hybrid work and modern challenges
We also explored the realities of hybrid working. Michelle noted that while flexibility delivers many benefits, organisations need to be intentional about how people come together. Hybrid work works best when teams have shared opportunities to connect, collaborate and build relationships during in-person time, rather than simply occupying the same physical space.
Beyond the workplace, Michelle reminded us that healthy connection comes from multiple sources including communities, hobbies, neighbours and social groups. Relying on a single environment to meet all our connection needs can leave people vulnerable.
Final thoughts
One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was that loneliness is not simply an individual challenge, it’s something that can be influenced by the systems, cultures and environments we create. For workplace leaders, making room for connection doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, intentional actions that create belonging, strengthen relationships and support healthier, more connected workplaces over time.
Written by Josh Lambert
August 2026