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(e.g., remote work) mounted. Media reports highlighted the growing concern for employees'
isolation and loneliness.
One key issue described by Dr. Howatt was the challenge for employers to support
employee isolation and loneliness because neither meets clinical diagnostic criteria in the DSM-
V. There is no "disorder" associated with feeling isolated or lonely that could lead to disability
supports or accommodations. In other words, employees cannot get disability leave for feeling
isolated or lonely; they must have another mental illness. From Dr. Howatt's 30 years of clinical
experience, it was clear that we are now in a grey zone, as there is ample evidence that isolation
and loneliness, if not managed, could negatively impact employees' mental health [7].
Additionally, within the workplace context, when not correctly managed, isolation and loneliness
can result in mental injury that can impair an employee's ability to perform, productivity,
emotional well-being, and perceived psychological safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked an increased interest in applying cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT) provided online for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Governments spent
millions of dollars to help the general public access CBT. For example, the Government of
Ontario offered online CBT to all residents aged 16 and older [8]. After conducting a review of
available digital apps that used CBT or were designed for prevention using a cognitive
behavioural approach (CPA) to support employees who felt isolated or lonely, it was determined
there was a gap in the market. There was an opportunity to provide an accessible, low-cost
solution for employers to support their workers facing the mental health concerns of isolation
and loneliness.
As a leader in workplace mental health in Ontario, WSPS decided to fund the
development of a minimally viable product (MVP) digital app focused on isolation, loneliness,
