Episode 2

Workplace Loneliness and Human Connection in the Age of AI

We’ve made workplace connection feel optional – but it’s essential for performance.

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Constance Noonan Hadley on Loneliness & Connection in an AI Era
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Episode Summary

In this deeply human episode, organizational psychologist Constance Noonan Hadley tackles a growing issue at work: loneliness. As companies lean into automation and AI for productivity, many are missing a quieter but more urgent need – meaningful connection. We unpack how hybrid work structures are affecting psychological safety, why team rituals matter more than ever, and how to build belonging in distributed environments. Constance shares evidence-based insights on how to reintroduce humanity into the modern workplace – and why it matters for performance.

What We Cover

  • • How to recognize and address employee loneliness
  • • Why connection drives team performance
  • • What psychological safety really means – and how to build it
  • • How rituals can rebuild culture in hybrid work models
  • • The limitations of AI when it comes to emotional connection

About Constance Noonan Hadley

Constance Noonan Hadley is an organizational psychologist and Research Associate Professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. She is also the Founder and Chief Scientist of the Institute for Life at Work. Her work focuses on team dynamics, employee wellbeing, and the design of psychologically safe, high-performing workplaces.

"The people who are most at risk of loneliness often don’t speak up."

Full Transcript

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