Humans are fundamentally social beings who crave belonging, mission, and meaning, especially at work. Drawing on the increasing prevalence of remote work in the post-pandemic era, we will discuss how organizations can overcome workplace loneliness and create a sense of belonging by prioritizing the need to create authentic workplaces to promote inclusion and empower employees to feel comfortable being themselves. Through this fireside chat format, attendees will benefit from real-world examples, research findings, and interactive discussions, which will not only enhance their understanding of the topic but also equip them with the tools to implement changes in their professional environments. The session aims to inspire action, foster empathy, and promote a deeper understanding of the importance of nurturing human connections, even in the most distributed of work settings.
 
Participants will learn:
 
1. Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Workplace Loneliness and Its Impact
Attendees will learn about the complex nature of loneliness in the workplace, including how it differs from isolation and alienation. The session will explore the profound implications of loneliness on individual well-being and organizational performance. Understanding that loneliness is about the quality of connections rather than just the quantity will empower participants to reassess their social interactions and the organizational culture surrounding remote work.

2. Strategies to Combat Loneliness in Remote Work Environments
The discussion will touch on concepts like the remote work paradox and will provide practical strategies and insights from research on addressing loneliness within remote and distributed work settings. Participants will learn about the importance of fostering meaningful connections, enhancing team dynamics, and implementing organizational practices that support mental and emotional well-being.

About Karen: Karen Perham-Lippman, MS, CDP, CAGS, serves as a Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Otis Elevator Company. An award-winning DE&I leader, community leader, author, and public speaker, Karen has nearly fifteen years’ experience in global DEI, ESG, and CSR strategies. She is a member of Forbes HR Council and has taught business, communications, and organizational leadership as an adjunct professor at both undergraduate and graduate levels for the past five years. She recently served two consecutive terms on Colorado’s Business Experiential Learning Commission by governor appointment. Her dedication to community extends to numerous regional and global nonprofit boards, earning recognition for her leadership and service. Karen is a Certified Diversity Professional and holds a certification in designing equitable courses from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). She is a PhD candidate in organizational leadership at Eastern University and has been published with Ethics International Press, Emerald Publishing, Merits International Journal and SAGE Publishing. Karen is also a proud mother of three sons who all serve in the U.S. Navy and lives with her rescue pets and her mother who she serves as a caregiver for in Virginia.