The cost of loneliness: Social isolation holds back workers and costs employers billions

Mar 1, 2023
An 'epidemic of loneliness' in recent decades causes stress-related absenteeism, job turnover, and lost productivity.
In addition to affecting employees' mental health, researchers at Cigna found that employers could be losing up to $154 billion a year because of loneliness.
Timothy A. Clary / AFP via Getty Images

Calls to mental health hotlines rise as people seek relief during COVID

Jan 26, 2022
With mental health professionals in short supply during the pandemic, some who need help are turning to hotlines and other alternative online resources.
Matthew Seltzer sits on a bench in New Orleans, Louisiana in November 2021. Like thousands of others during the pandemic, Seltzer sought help from a mental health hotline when he was unable to find an in-person counselor.
Shalina Chatlani/Gulf States Newsroom

Omicron will disrupt staffing in more than just the airline industry

Dec 27, 2021
With the expiration of federally mandated COVID sick leave and related tax incentives, businesses are on their own.
The spread of omicron has brought with it staffing issues in the service industry and health care. Above, a "We're Hiring" sign hangs near the entrance to a CVS store on Nov. 5.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Pandemic lockdowns fueled domestic violence worldwide, report says

Apr 16, 2021
Pandemic life created conditions for the most severe, even lethal, abuse.
During pandemic lockdowns, many domestic violence victims have been trapped at home with their abusers.
Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

Seniors on limited incomes find ways to cope in the pandemic

Nov 26, 2020
Social Security, Medicare prove key to helping two older women in San Francisco remain financially stable.
Residents walk inside a retirement community in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images