Research Paper

As whispers of doubt fill the spaces we share: examining workplace loneliness in the Indian hospitality sector

  • By Mantasha Firoz
    Assistant Professor
    Co-Authors
    Ananya Syal, Indian Institute Of Management Amritsar
    Anoushka Shukla, Goa Institute Of Management, Sanquelim
    Journal : International Journal of Conflict Management
    Publisher : Emerald Group Publishing

Article citation: Firoz, M., Syal, A., & Shukla, A. (n.d.). As whispers of doubt fill the spaces we share: Examining workplace loneliness in the Indian hospitality sector. International Journal of Conflict Management.

Abstract

Workplace loneliness is not just an individualistic emotional issue; it carries serious costs for organisations. Our study, contextualised in the Indian hospitality sector, explored how experiences of bullying from supervisors and co-workers shape employees’ sense of loneliness. The finding reveals that supervisor bullying strongly increases feelings of loneliness through emotional exhaustion. Interestingly, bullying from coworkers did not show significant changes in experiences of loneliness. Our results bring out the powerful influence of leadership behaviours on the emotional well-being of employees. Our study offers substantial insights for industry professionals seeking to build healthier, more connected workplaces.