Report highlights how businesses can help tackle loneliness
A trailblazing new report, Business vs. Loneliness, published by the Economics of Mutuality Alliance and The University of Manchester, has urged companies to take a leading role in addressing one of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges of our time 91Ƭ loneliness.
The report presents the results of an extensive global study on loneliness funded by Mars, Incorporated and conducted by the Economics of Mutuality Alliance91Ƭs Mutual Value Labs and The University of Manchester. The research is based on over 50,000 individual responses from participants in five countries around the world 91Ƭ the largest dataset of its kind. Respondents from the U.S., Mexico, the UK, Germany, and China shared their experiences in response to survey questions and open-ended prompts.
The report shows that more than 44% of people around the world feel moderately to very lonely. It reframes the issue of loneliness as a wider social and economic problem that needs large-scale, system-wide solutions, rather than as a personal failing.
Drawing on practical case studies, the report demonstrates how purpose-driven companies can turn loneliness into an opportunity for generating both social impact and sustainable business growth by applying the Economics of Mutuality operating model.
One example given is how Asahi Europe & International used hospitality spaces and an online platform to help young adults overcome loneliness through meaningful social connections, based on an in-depth study conducted in the Czech Republic with the Economics of Mutuality Alliance91Ƭs Mutual Value Labs.
91ƬApplying the Economics of Mutuality operating model has helped our brands to drive positive societal impact and meaningful commercial growth at the same time,91Ƭ said Mandikova Drahomira, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Asahi Group Holdings. 91ƬI encourage more companies to join the Business vs. Loneliness change platform and take action toward lasting change.91Ƭ
Key Findings
- Contrary to common belief, and consistent with other recent large-scale studies, loneliness decreases with age. 29% of Gen Z feel lonely compared to 14% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation. Yet, most interventions still focus on the elderly 91Ƭ highlighting a gap for products, services, and workplace cultures that prioritise belonging amongst young people.
- Perhaps surprisingly, more than 50% of people find positive alone time a helpful way of overcoming loneliness 91Ƭ revealing a powerful opportunity for businesses to design environments, products, and experiences that support solitude, not just social interaction.
- 14% of people who completed the survey say they have nowhere to go when they feel lonely, but want to connect with others 91Ƭ a clear opportunity for businesses to create connection-friendly spaces in places such as cafés, retail stores, and offices.
- 60% report experiencing 91Ƭrelational91Ƭ or 91Ƭcollective91Ƭ loneliness, not just 91Ƭintimate91Ƭ loneliness 91Ƭ opening the door for brands to design experiences that foster everyday social connection.
- People not belonging to a group are 1.6x more likely to feel lonely 91Ƭ giving businesses a chance to build community through memberships, loyalty programs, and shared identity experiences.
- Dissatisfaction with income doubles the likelihood of loneliness, regardless of actual earnings 91Ƭ suggesting companies can drive loyalty and retention among their workforce by improving perceived financial well-being, not just financial status.
Tackling loneliness is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic opportunity for business. This report offers a clear, innovative framework that empowers companies to make a real impact, both within their organisations and across society.
The report launch invites purpose-driven business leaders to join the Business vs. Loneliness change platform, working together with public and non-profit partners to help create a more connected world through business.
To access the report and for more information, visit .