When Loneliness Follows You Home: How Work Isolation and Faith Shape Job Performance

What is it about?

This study explores how workplace loneliness—the feeling of social disconnection at work—diminishes employees’ job performance by increasing their tendency to ruminate negatively about work outside of working hours. Guided by Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the authors propose that loneliness drains emotional resources and makes it difficult for employees to mentally detach from job-related concerns, leading to reduced energy and focus for productive work activities. Using three-wave survey data from employees across multiple organizations in Pakistan, the study finds that loneliness increases negative work rumination—repeatedly dwelling on workplace problems or rejection. This mental preoccupation mediates the link between loneliness and reduced job performance. However, religiosity—faith-based beliefs and practices—serves as a protective buffer, helping employees regulate emotions, find meaning, and maintain psychological well-being despite social isolation at work. For human resource managers and leaders, the study highlights the importance of addressing social isolation and fostering inclusive, connected work environments. It also suggests that acknowledging and supporting employees’ spiritual or value-based coping resources can mitigate the harmful effects of loneliness and sustain motivation and engagement.

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Photo by Laksoeno on Unsplash

Photo by Laksoeno on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is unique in revealing how negative work rumination serves as the key psychological mechanism linking workplace loneliness to diminished performance. By showing that religiosity can weaken this harmful process, the study extends COR theory to incorporate faith-based personal resources that help employees conserve energy and resilience in socially challenging work contexts. Conducted in Pakistan, a setting characterized by collectivist values and strong religious orientations, the study is particularly timely as remote and fragmented work arrangements continue to heighten experiences of isolation. It offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to preserve productivity and mental health by cultivating social belonging and recognizing the restorative power of employees’ personal belief systems.