The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Employee Engagement Is Critical in a Virtual Workplace
Seating Instructions: Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserved seating options are available for accessibility and accommodations. For detailed accessibility information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness as a global health threat and the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic. In a virtual workplace, inadequate social connections and isolation pose a threat to well-being and contribute to loneliness. Work and loneliness are intertwined as we spend the majority of our lives at work. Now, more than ever, we must be intentional about creating connections at work and fostering belonging. HR professionals play a critical role in these efforts. HR professionals can help their organizations build inclusive virtual workplaces where employees engage and thrive. In this important session led by a 25+ year veteran in the field of Inclusion, you will deepen your understanding of the loneliness epidemic; the connection between loneliness and work; and acquire best practices to help employees confront loneliness in order to fully engage in a virtual workplace.
Learning Objectives:
- Deepen understanding of the loneliness epidemic.
- Heighten awareness about the connection between loneliness and work.
- Acquire insights and best practices to help employees confront loneliness & engage in a virtual workplace.
Direct Link to Session Materials: If the speaker provides session materials, you can access them via the app, web format or at https://presentations.shrm.org/.
Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.
Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.
Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
Sonia Aranza
Global Speaker Sonia Aranza has presented on the international stage from Spain to Singapore. She brings 27+ years of experience in Diversity, Inclusion & Global Leadership. Her clients include Boeing, CIA, McDonald’s and more. The U.S. Department of Labor describes her work as “Outstanding” and was selected to execute programs for landmark cases. SHRM featured her as a Diversity & Inclusion Expert in HR Magazine and she is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Leadership. She serves on the Faculty of Howard University’s Executive Diversity Program; named “100 Most Influential Filipina Americans in the United States” and honored “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World.”