How Leaders can Connect with People and Reduce Isolation with Ryan Jenkins and Steven Van Cohen

We may be more connected than ever before; yet studies show we are also lonelier. Further, research indicates that for the first time, the emerging generation (Gen Z) is feeling more isolated and lonelier than the elderly population, and this was pre-Covid. Ryan Jenkins and Steven Van Cohen share with Kevin that we underestimate how much we need connection. When people show up lonely for work, they are 7x more likely to be disengaged, 5x more likely to miss work, and twice as likely to think about quitting their job. We need to be intentional about our connections and less transactional. This episode was recorded during our Mental Fitness Day, a Virtual LeaderCon event in April 2022. Key Points In this episode, Ryan and Steven discuss loneliness in the workplace.  They share the difference between loneliness and solitude.  They talk about belonging as an antidote to loneliness. Meet Ryan and Steven Name: Ryan Jenkins and Steven Van Cohen   Their Story: Ryan Jenkins, CSP and Steven Van Cohen, MSOD are founders of LessLonely.com, the world’s #1 resource for addressing workplace loneliness and creating more belonging at work. They are also the authors of Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams from Isolated to All In. Collectively they have over 20 years of experience helping organizations like Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, State Farm, John Deere, Delta Air Lines and Salesforce improve their teams. Their work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, SUCCESS, Inc., and Entrepreneur Magazine. When they are not writing and speaking, you can find them sampling craft beers, attempting to play golf together, and spending quality time with their respective families. Worth Mentioning: Dubbed "The Leadership Whisperer" Steven has inspired thousands through his workshops, keynotes, and virtual events. He is CEO of SyncLX (a consultancy that works with many Fortune 500 companies.) Ryan Jenkins CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional™), is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and three-time published author. He speaks all over the world to companies such as State Farm, Salesforce, Wells Fargo, FedEx, Liberty Mutual, and John Deere. This episode is brought to you by... Remarkable Masterclasses. Each masterclass is designed to help you become the remarkable leader and human you were born to be. Details on how to get on board for a specific skill or get discounts each month can be found on our website. Book Recommendations Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In by Ryan Jenkins and Steven Van Cohen Related Episodes Connecting in a Virtual World with Nick Morgan The Connector Manager with Jaime Roca Talk Shifts - Ways to Transform Leadership with Krister Ungerböck