Addressing health holistically requires promoting meaningful social connection
Social isolation and loneliness are pressing public health concerns, and employers and governments can and should foster meaningful social connections
The World Health Organization defines health holistically as a state of physical, mental and social well-being.1 At Google, we define health using this same broad frame, as we work towards our mission to help everyone, everywhere live a longer, healthier life. Social well-being is an important dimension in our work, aligned with global efforts to address the non-medical or social determinants of health.
One of these key social drivers is social connection, defined as the feeling of meaningful closeness and connection to others. Loneliness and social isolation are closely related challenges that are not just feelings, but also pose significant physical health risks comparable to smoking and obesity, including premature mortality.1 Social connection is vital for individual well-being and supports the overall health, resilience, civic engagement, safety and economic prosperity of entire communities.2,3
Globally, 51% of adults report loneliness.4 Trends show that time spent with friends has been decreasing and social networks are becoming smaller and less diverse.5 A recent poll by Gallup found that globally one in five employees experience daily loneliness, which is highest for fully remote workers.6
Addressing this public health crisis will require a multilevel approach at the individual, community and societal level to enhance social connection. Interventions at the individual level can increase awareness and access to opportunities of social connectedness. At the community level, interventions can occur at the workplace or community organisations. At the societal level, governments can take an active role in prioritising programmes and policies to advance social connectedness. Examples include the appointment of a minister of loneliness in the UK7 or the adoption of a law to prevent loneliness and isolation in Japan.8 Efforts like these not only help raise awareness, but also offer tools to increase social connectedness.
Importantly, the WHO has recognised loneliness as a global public health concern and established the Commission on Social Connection; Karen DeSalvo proudly serves as a member lending her public health, technology and employee health expertise.9 The goals of the commission include raising global awareness of loneliness and social isolation as important drivers of health outcomes, cataloguing global literature about the topic, including successful interventions, and driving action by individuals, organisations and governments to strengthen social connection and reduce the health burden.
Google’s efforts to promote social connection
At Google, we recognise the importance of social connection and are committed to doing our part to facilitate support and action at individual, organisational and societal levels.
As a start, Google is working to cultivate a culture of connection for our employees. People spend a significant portion of their time at work, and Google recognises that employers can play a pivotal role in fostering social connectedness. For employers, the company policies and culture, physical spaces, and programmes are important in supporting social connection.
Google is working to enhance social connections and cultivate a sense of belonging among our employees. For example, our ‘Find Your Crowd’ programme helps build connections based on shared interests, offering Googlers the opportunity to meet people outside their teams. By investing in social connection for their workforce, employers can invest in the resilience and performance of their people.
Next, we recognise that technology can both hinder and help social connection. Irresponsible use can lead to isolation, while responsible use can facilitate connections.2 Through digital responsibility initiatives, Google supports healthy technology use and provides tools to manage screen time, promoting in-person connections. Platforms like YouTube offer access to diverse communities and perspectives, fostering connection, learning and understanding. Google’s AI-powered Search aims to connect users with relevant people and perspectives, while crisis resource panels provide easy access to support for mental health concerns.
Efforts to connect individuals with shared health experiences and support content creators in addressing mental health contribute to reducing stigma and fostering understanding and connection. Crucially, to harness technology’s potential for positive impact, it’s essential to encourage people to unplug and engage in offline activities that require in-person engagement, like sports or art.
Finally, Google is honoured to work closely with the WHO to raise awareness around the issue of social isolation and loneliness, emphasising that it is a pressing public health concern. As part of this work, Google and the WHO are co-hosting an event in Berlin at the 2024 World Health Summit showcasing examples of public and private sector action to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Google is also moderating a WHO Lived Experience Panel, which will create a space to hear the personal perspectives, challenges and needs of individuals and communities who have experienced social isolation.
Addressing the global epidemic of social isolation and loneliness will require concerted action from individuals, organisations (including employers) and governments. We must all recognise social isolation and loneliness as a public health priority and work collaboratively to implement strategies in practice and policies that can foster meaningful connection and bring better health to all.
References
1. WHO Constitution: https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution
2. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, US Surgeon General: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
3. WHO, 2023: https://www.who.int/multi-media/details/loneliness-and-social-isolation-are-health-risks
4. Meta-Gallup Global State of Social Connections: https://www.gallup.com/analytics/509675/state-of-social-connections.aspx
5. Kannan & Veazie, 2023: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/aticle/pii/S235282732200310X
6. Gallup State of the Workforce 2024 report: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/645566/employees-worldwide-feel-lonely.aspx
7. UK Minister of Loneliness: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/loneliness-minister-its-more-important-than-ever-to-take-action
8. Japan loneliness law: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/aticles/15217563
9. WHO Commission on Social Connection: https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection
