We feel lonely. At least that is what the research is showing. One report noted that 1 in 3 adults over 45 feels lonely. Another article I read about the younger Generation Z notes that “the percent of high school seniors who said they often felt lonely increased from 26 percent in 2012 to 39 percent in 2017.” The trend is going in the wrong direction. We feel lonely. And loneliness affects our health, happiness, and our productivity. I think business leaders are missing a huge opportunity when it comes to loneliness. Your best people will stick around, in part, if you can create an environment where they feel connected. Connected to you as the leader. Connected to their coworkers. Connected to the work. The Gallup organization notes that only 2 in 10 have a best friend at work. They go on to note that if you move that percentage to 6 in 10, the organization could realize 36% fewer safety incidents and 12% increased profit. Connection will be a big deal in the future workplace. You heard it here first. #leadership