In the post pandemic world, we have never been more digitally connected, having pivoted our work and social interactions online. Yet loneliness continues to be a growing problem for Australians of all ages. The problem has become so prevalent that it is now being recognised as a global health emergency.
Before the pandemic, one in four Australians experienced problematic levels of loneliness, equating to five million Australians at any one time. Now, one in two Australians have reported feeling lonelier due to reduced social connection, with 18-25 years (early career) and 56-65 years (established employees)2 experiencing the worst levels of loneliness.