AI, Loneliness and the Future of Connection at Work

Are we overlooking one of the biggest human consequences of AI at work?

As organisations race to adopt AI, much of the conversation has focused on productivity, efficiency, and redesigning work. But far less attention has been given to how these technologies may reshape something just as important: the relationships people rely on at work.

To unpack this, in this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, host David Green speaks with Connie Noonan Hadley, organisational psychologist, Thinkers50 Radar thinker, and Research Associate Professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.

Connie has spent decades studying the social experience of work, including the growing challenge of loneliness in organisations. And drawing on her latest research and conversations with senior HR leaders, Connie shares insights on how AI is beginning to influence not just how work gets done, but how people connect, collaborate, and seek support at work.

So, tune in to learn:

• Why loneliness at work remains such a persistent challenge - even in organisations investing heavily in culture
• What CHROs are prioritising right now as they navigate AI adoption, organisational redesign, and a rapidly shifting external environment
• How employees are already using AI for things they once relied on colleagues for - from career advice to coaching and problem-solving
• Why return-to-office mandates may not solve loneliness in the way many leaders expect
• Practical ways HR leaders can protect human connection while embracing AI-driven transformation

This episode is sponsored by Hibob.

HiBob brings HR, Payroll, and Finance together into a single platform that employees actually use. With AI throughout, you move faster, work smarter, and empower your people to power your business.

Sapient Insights recognizes HiBob’s AI vision, citing the Bob AI Companion for making everyday work faster and easier. Fosway Group also names HiBob a 2025 9-Grid™ Core Leader, recognizing the strongest AI vision among Core Leaders.

HiBob. All-in-one HCM for HR, Payroll, and Finance.

​​​Learn all about HiBob’s modern HR platform here

Resources:

We’re Still Lonely at Work

The Surprising Power of Team Rituals

Institute for Leadership & Work at Boston University Questrom School of Business

Institute for Life at Work, research think tank and laboratory

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