Workplace and non-workplace loneliness: a cross-sectional comparative study on risk factors and impacts on absenteeism and mental health among employees in Spain.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to (1) evaluate prevalences and concordance between workplace and non-workplace loneliness, (2) compare sociodemographic risk factors between workplace and non-workplace loneliness, (3) compare working conditions-related risk factors between the two contexts of lone...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Domènech-Abella J, Mundó J, Haro JM, Muntaner C
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Fundació Sant Joan de Déu
Repositorio:r-FSJD. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica de la Fundació Sant Joan de Déu
OAI Identifier:oai:fsjd.fundanetsuite.com:p28493
Acceso en línea:https://fsjd.fundanetsuite.com/Publicaciones/ProdCientif/PublicacionFrw.aspx?id=28493
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Absenteeism
Labor precariousness
Loneliness
Mental health.
Workplace loneliness
Descripción
Sumario:PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to (1) evaluate prevalences and concordance between workplace and non-workplace loneliness, (2) compare sociodemographic risk factors between workplace and non-workplace loneliness, (3) compare working conditions-related risk factors between the two contexts of loneliness, and (4) compare the impact of workplace and non-workplace loneliness on absenteeism, depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. METHODS: A sample of the employee residing in Spain (n = 5400) was surveyed using computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) during August and September 2024. Logistic regression models were constructed to compare the effects of risk factors for workplace and non-workplace loneliness (including sociodemographic factors, and factors related to working conditions), as well as the association of workplace and non-workplace loneliness on absenteeism, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. RESULTS: Among active workers, 40.7% report experiencing workplace loneliness, while 42.0% report non-workplace loneliness. The level of concordance between both types of loneliness is low (Kappa = 0.36). Both types are more prevalent among younger and immigrant workers. Other sociodemographic risk factors (being female, non-married, and non-heterosexual) were significantly associated with non-workplace loneliness. Meanwhile, risk factors related to working conditions -particularly working under stress and labor precariousness- were associated with both types of loneliness, which showed an independent impact on absenteeism, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. CONCLUSION: Most of the social determinants of workplace loneliness are rooted in the work environment, indicating that effective interventions should focus on addressing labor conditions and precariousness to improve both workplace and non-workplace loneliness and their impacts on absenteeism and mental health.