Cigna Takes Action To Combat The Rise Of Loneliness And Improve Mental Wellness In America

America is suffering from a silent epidemic called loneliness – and it is expected to intensify as we experience social-distancing and possible quarantining in response to COVID-19. According to results from Cigna’s 2020 Loneliness Index released earlier this year, 61% of Americans classify themselves as lonely. This represents a 7% increase from the 2018 survey. 

The average American employee spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. * The new Cigna study shows a clear connection between work and loneliness. Technology, telecommuting and the “always-on” work culture, leave Americans more stressed and less rested. 

Social media also has a major impact on loneliness, with very heavy social media users significantly more likely to feel alone, isolated and without companionship.*

“For the business community, it is resulting in less engagement, less productivity and lower retention levels. To confront these issues at home and at work, we are helping people build stronger connections and driving deeper health engagement to improve overall well-being and vitality,” says David M. Cordani, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cigna. 

“To combat this epidemic, Cigna is taking action to help communities across the country proactively reduce risks of mental illness and improve mental well-being overall.”**

To learn more about Cigna’s 2020 U.S. Loneliness Index, click here.

* Peppercorn, S. (2019, July 26). Why You Should Stop Trying to Be Happy at Work. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved January 7, 2020 from https://hbr.org/2019/07/why-you-should-stop-trying-to-be-happy-at-work.

** https://www.cigna.com/newsroom/news-releases/2020/cigna-takes-action-to-combat-the-rise-of-loneliness-and-improve-mental-wellness-in-america