Work

Antecedents and Outcomes of Workplace Loneliness in Finnish Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Survey Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: This study provides up-to-date knowledge on the correlates of workplace loneliness among Finnish nurses in the post-COVID-19 era. We examined the factors (background, work-related and dispositional) that were associated with loneliness among nurses. We also investigated the relationship between loneliness and job burnout, which was used as a mental health outcome in this study. BACKGROUND: Workplace loneliness can be a notable stressor in contemporary working life. However, it has received little attention in nursing since COVID-19. Consequently, the present study focused on the antecedents and outcomes of workplace loneliness in nursing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design was used. METHOD: The dataset (n = 5893) was collected in the spring of 2024 from members of the Finnish Union of Practical Nurses. Analyses were conducted via regression analysis. FINDINGS: Regarding prevalence, over 20% of the nurses reported workplace loneliness at least occasionally. Psychosocial factors were most strongly related to greater loneliness: lack of co-worker and supervisory support, experiences of being bullied, and workaholism. Moreover, loneliness was also associated with the core symptoms of job burnout. CONCLUSION: Loneliness can be experienced in nursing in contemporary working life, and it is likely to be one potential risk factor for nurses' job burnout. Social interventions should be developed and implemented in nursing organisations to tackle workplace loneliness. These interventions should concentrate on providing social support, preventing bullying, and increasing awareness of the 'dark side' of workaholism.

Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing

DOI: 10.1111/jan.70646

Authors: Saija Mauno, Liisa Mäkelä, Anne Mäkikangas

Institutions: Tampere University, University of Tampere, University of Jyväskylä, University of Vaasa

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Burnout

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,450