9
Numerous studies showed that mental health distress rose significantly across the population as a
global threat impacted virtually every aspect of life and work [19]–[27]. A study from the
Conference Board of Canada and the Mental Health Commission of Canada in July 2020 found
that 84% of responders reported that their mental health concerns have worsened since the onset
of the COVID-19 pandemic [28].
Loneliness and social isolation also increased during the pandemic. In a study of 50,609
participants in Europe, 29% reported feeling lonely. Among those, 40% said that their loneliness
had increased since the pandemic's start [29]. This study also found that there was a six- to 10-
fold increase in risk of mental health symptoms for those who reported increases in loneliness,
including depressed mood, anxiety, and sleep problems. In a study of 3,800 Canadians during the
pandemic, 60% reported feeling lonely multiple times per week, and 46% reported feeling lonely
every day [30]. In a multi-national study of 31,092 people in 31 countries, 36% of workers in
Canada reported feeling isolated, which was higher than the global average of 27% [31].
Loneliness and social isolation are growing risk factors in the workplace
Loneliness and social isolation have implications for the workplace. A study by the New
Economics Foundation in the UK found that workers who reported being lonelier also reported
poorer work performance and less job satisfaction [32]. Another study of 477 workers in 99
workgroups found that loneliness was associated with lower organizational commitment,
performance, and aspects of team functioning such as offering help.
Remote work became a prevalent issue facing workplaces during the pandemic, directly
impacting social connections. Some studies found that quarantine, social distancing policies, and
remote work were associated with poorer mental health. For example, one study found that
quarantine and delays in returning to work were associated with poor mental health symptoms in
