Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of people working from home has skyrocketed. While the number of individuals working from home was on the rise even before the pandemic, these numbers have only continued to grow since.
One of the biggest complaints from people who work from home or from home-based small businesses is loneliness. Studies cite loneliness as one of the key psychological issues people face when working from home. This is often due to the fact that many people who work from home and those who start small businesses from home are unprepared for an isolated working environment.
In this article, you will learn more about the effects of working in isolation and how to combat loneliness when working from home.
Working from home loneliness refers to a gradual onset of feelings of loneliness that people experience when they’ve worked in isolation for a prolonged period of time. If someone is isolated at home for days on end and their feelings of loneliness aren’t addressed, working from home loneliness could lead to burnout, stress, and even working-from-home depression.
Unfortunately, companies employing remote workers often expect their employees to be more productive in their own home office than they might be at the workplace. In fact, studies have found that employees working from home during the pandemic were putting in longer hours than ever before. When it comes to working from home, the lack of physical distance separating peoples’ work life from their personal life has led to issues with not only maintaining work-life balance, but also to burnout.
Longer work hours can heighten a person’s sense of loneliness and prevent them from taking measures to counteract their isolation by engaging in social activities. The biggest contributing factor to working from home loneliness is a lack of social interaction. If working from home loneliness is not properly addressed, it could lead to working from home depression.
There is some debate over whether working from home causes depression. However, it is generally agreed that sustained isolation and a prolonged lack of social engagement can lead to depressive states or exacerbate existing conditions. This is what is referred to as working from home depression. It’s a kind of situational depression people experience when there are significant changes to their lifestyle that are potentially traumatic or stressful, resulting in a persistent feeling of sadness or lack of interest.
Faster broadband speeds, innovative video-conferencing systems, and avoiding long commutes are big contributors to the rising trend of working from home offices. And while working from home can be alienating and lonely at times, there are undeniable benefits to it that make working from home a better option for some people.
For instance, working from home helps people save time and money. For people struggling financially, working from home might be the only solution they have. Increases in the cost of living, especially in crowded cities where the majority of businesses operate, can put financial stress on individuals and pressure them to work from home to avoid the costs of commutes, higher living expenses, food, etc.
These issues are compounded for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business and in need of office space. With the rising cost of rent, it is becoming increasingly difficult for small business owners to rent spaces at affordable prices while still having enough money left over to support themselves. This can add pressure for business owners to work from home.
Working from home is not for everyone, but this does not mean that no one wants to work from home. Some do find that it actually turns out to be more productive. This can be especially true when they are doing highly concentrated activities such as writing, editing, and researching. Working alone, rather than in a room full of colleagues, can be very productive – but the reality is that even while they may find it more productive to work from home, these same people might experience feelings of isolation and loneliness.
According to a YouGov poll, researchers found that 28% of office workers now regularly work from home. Of these, the vast majority of home workers (who do not go into an office on a regular basis) are entrepreneurs, contract workers, and self-employed individuals.
These types of people likely suffer the most from loneliness and isolation because they don’t have the support of colleagues or the interactions and camaraderie they would normally receive in an office environment.
So how to not feel lonely when working in isolation? What can be done to prevent loneliness taking hold when working from home?
Recent studies highlight the significance of small, seemingly insignificant interactions. These interactions can actually have a significant impact on a person’s sense of happiness and belonging. The seemingly irrelevant daily interactions with the barista at your local coffee shop, the brief exchanges with your next-door neighbour on your way to or from work, or the conversations you have with your coworker on a lunch break help to promote a sense of belonging and community. These interactions are missing when working from the privacy and seclusion of your home.
Developing a network and arranging to meet up with other home-based business owners for a coffee or lunch to get some social interaction can be a great way to ameliorate working from home depression or loneliness. This way you can talk over problems or offer each other advice. Even a brief coffee meeting can get you back in the right mood to get things done.
There are many local business networking groups that help individuals connect with other people who work from home, most of which are free to join. This not only helps people get out of their homes for some social interaction but also facilitates professional networking.
Another great way to prevent loneliness is to consider walking away from your keyboard or your email and instead make a phone call or even a Skype call to colleagues or customers. This brings more human interaction into your work day and can give back that feeling of being connected rather than isolated from human interaction.
One of the most effective antidotes to loneliness and isolation is interacting and socializing with other people. Taking regular breaks to get outside and interact with others, whether meeting with a coworker for a quick coffee or going out for lunch with a friend, encourages you to socialize with others and prevents you from feeling lonely.
Working outside of your home office at least once a week can also be a good option. This is part of the reason that coworking business centres are becoming more popular. While there are some collaborative aspects to these centres, they can still be used by people who want to work alone without feeling alone. There are some people who will take their laptop computers to the local public library simply because being in close proximity to other people alleviates feelings of isolation.
If you don’t have colleagues or customers to regularly interact with, don’t worry. You can get involved in any number of online communities. You can join virtual coworking sessions with strangers, friends, or coworkers simply by Zooming into a session and deciding how long you want to work together. This is a fun way to meet new people while helping you stay focused on your work.
Alternatively, you can join community forums where you can chat with like-minded people who share your passion–whether it be your work, a hobby, or other interests. In addition to helping you get to know new people, it can also help you learn new things.
Yet another way to deal with isolation is to have regularly scheduled activities that get you out of your home. A few times a week you can plan to go to a local coffee shop, the gym, or even take a nice long walk during a lunch break. This not only breaks up the monotony of working in isolation, but could also alleviate working-from-home depression and give you a chance to network with people whom you did not expect to be potential customers or clients. Make time for social activities and don’t feel guilty about doing them because they are invaluable to your mental health.
Schedule time at least once a day to call or check in on a family member or friend and let them know how you’re doing. Sometimes just sharing how you are feeling can make it less overwhelming. Spend extra time with family and friends. Make time for human connection because this will keep you one step ahead of the loneliness that comes with working in isolation.
Make a habit of going outside for a bit every day. Loneliness hits harder when it sits with you in the same room for days on end. Going for a walk through the park and getting fresh air can help alleviate some of the loneliness. Go to the gym or exercise to give yourself a break, take care of your physical health, and create opportunities for social interaction.
There is no one way to completely eliminate loneliness when working in isolation. But walking, going to the park, and meeting clients and co-workers away from your home office are just some of the ways you can make it a less lonely experience and mitigate some of the working-from-home depression that many people experience when working in isolation. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with a colleague, family member, or friend. Remember that just being near others can make you feel more connected to the world outside the personal bubble that you call your “home office.”
If you are struggling with working from home loneliness or simply thrive in a social working environment, Telsec offers a variety of cozy, upscale coworking offices that provide entrepreneurs and other business professionals with a social work environment that can help prevent the feelings of loneliness that arise when working in isolation. Check out Telsec’s coworking office spaces and see which one best suits your personal needs and work style.
Hotels
1. THE OMNI KING EDWARD HOTEL
37 King Street East
Toronto
Jennifer Smith, General Manager
Jennifer.smith@omnihotels.com
Tel: 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
2. EXECUTIVE HOTELS AND RESORTS (BOUTIQUE)
8 Colborne Street
Toronto
Mark Perry, General Manager
generalmanager@cosmotoronto.com
sales@cosmotoronto.com
reservations@cosmotoronto.com
sales.toronto@executivehotels.net
Tel: 416-350-2419
www.spazen.ca or www.cosmotoronto.com
3. HOTEL VICTORIA (BOUTIQUE)
56 Yonge Street
Toronto
Emeline Boul, General Manager
frontdesk@hotelvictoriatoronto.com
Tel: 416-363-1666
Mobile: 647-574-5832
www.hotelvictoriatoronto.com
4. ONE KING WEST HOTEL
1 King Street West
Toronto
Omkar Sawant, Reservations Manager
reservations@onekingwest.com
Main: 416-548-8100
Reservations: 1-866-470-5464
www.onekingwest.com
5. CAMBRIDGE SUITES TORONTO
15 Richmond Street East
Toronto
Van Nguyen, General Manager
booktoronto@cambridgesuitestoronto.com
Direct: 416-601-3757 Hotel: 416-368-1990
www.cambridgesuitestoronto.com
6. LE GERMAIN HOTEL
Maple Leaf Square
75 Bremner Vlvd.
Toronto
Claudia Cantor
ccantor@germainhotels.com
416-649-4085
Jessica Ham
jham@germainhotels.com
416-910-0427
Main: 416-649-7575
www.germainhotels.com
Health and Wellness
1. MORPHEUS8 BY INMODE
47 Colborne Street
Toronto
Thom Tullo
info@amanspa.ca
Tel: 416-863-6564
www.amanspa.ca
2. ALTITUDE ATHLETIC TRAINING
56 Colborne Street
Toronto
info@altitudeathletictraining.com
Tel: 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
3. POUTx – Botox and filler clinic
89 King Street East
Toronto
info@thepoutxlinic.com
Tel: 647-350-5475
www.poutx.com
4. PHYSIOHEATH STUDIOS
33 Victoria Street, #130
Toronto
info@physiohealthstudios.com
Tel: 416-368-2525
https://physiohealthstudios.com/
CAFES & COFFEE SHOPS
1. Tim Hortons
18 King St. East (Telsec Building)
Toronto
2. Daily Ritual Café
1 King St. West
Toronto
3. Starbucks
4 King St. West
Toronto
4. Mos Mos Coffee
25 King St. West
Toronto
5. Hale Coffee Company
1 Adelaide St. E
Toronto
6. Coffee at Carltons
36 Toronto St.
Toronto
GREAT QUALITY NEIGHBOURHOOD
18 King Street East is a quality boutique Class A building – East
of Yonge Street: easy street parking, less traffic, excellent restaurants and lovely treed parks – St. James Park @
Church & King and Berczy Park @ Wellington East, Scott and Front Streets – Very high energy and engaging
area.
RESTAURANTS/TAKE OUT
Leave it to TELSEC. Let our staff take care of the catering for the important business meeting room rental or
training seminar! Just let us know what types of food you prefer and for how many people and let us do the
rest. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, Telsec can provide anything from assorted sandwiches to a high-quality
hot sit-down meal. We’re always happy to take care of our clients! https://telsec.net/boardrooms-meeting-
rooms/
1. CRAFT BEER MARKET (OUTDOOR COURTYARD)
Courtyard backs onto our Telsec building, 18 King St. E
1 Adelaide St E (enter on east side of Yonge St., south of Adelaide)
Toronto
Ryan Halsall
info@craftbeermarket.ca
Tel: 437-922-BEER (2337)
www.craftbeermarket.ca
Toronto’s first chef-driven food hall, perfect for lunch or team outings, with a wide selection of seasonal
dishes and local brews.
2. Beerbistro restaurant and bar
Outdoor patio next to our Telsec building, 18 King St. E.
18 King Street East, Main Floor
Toronto
Omid Azad
info@beerbistro.com
Tel: 416-861-9872
www.beerbistro.com
3. CONVIVIUM DINING – HIGH-END (SOME TABLES BACK ONTO OUTDOOR COURTYARD)
Courtyard backs onto our Telsec building, 18 King St. E.
83 Yonge Street
Toronto
Soumini Agate
sa@myconvivium.com
General Manager
Sarah Watson
sw@myconvivium.com
Floor Manager
Tatiana Frelik (Events)
tf@myconvivium.com
Tel: 416-691-9909
www.myconvivium.com
4. RESTAURANT 20 VICTORIA – MICHELIN 2025 APPROVED
20 Victoria Street
Toronto
Declan
20vicreservations@gmail.com
Tel: 416-804-6066
Instagram for reservations: https://www.instagram.com/twentyvictoria/
5. JOEY KING STREET
20 King Street West
Toronto
Nora Elhanafy
nelhanafy@joeyrestaurants.com
Tel: 647-678-5639
www.joeyrestaurants.com
If you want to wow your business partners or clients, then grab and go from this contemporary dining
spot with a menu featuring international and regional dishes. Order their upscale east like sushi, salads,
steaks or that wagyu beef carpaccio. Yum!
6. DACASTO (take out)
37 King Street East
Toronto
Enrico Dacasto
enrico@dacasto.com
Tel: 416-214-0986
www.dacasto.com
7. DEB BREAKFAST. CO (take out)
20 Toronto Street
Toronto
Sade Henry
torontostgm@eatdeb.com
Tel: 347-880-8291
www.torontostgm.com
8. THE POKE BOX (take out)
36 Toronto Street
Toronto
Jeremy
info@thepokebox.ca
Tel: 416-929-0363
www. thepokebox.ca
For business teams that love to indulge but want to feel good about it, consider ordering from The Poke
Box. Their individual boxed meals are prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with protein! Great
for sushi lovers but without a mess.
9. CARISMA (ITALIAN)
15 Toronto Street
Toronto
Michael Pagliaro
info@carismarestaurant.com
Tel: 416-864-7373
www.carismarestaurant.com
10. NAMI (JAPANESE)
55 Adelaide Street East
Toronto
Mana
namirestaurant1984@gmail.com
Tel: 416-362-7373
www.namirestaurant.ca
11. TERRONI (ITALIAN)
57 Adelaide Street East
Toronto
Patti Shaw
info@terroni.com
Tel: 416-203-3093
www.terroni.com
12. SWAAGAT – THE REAL TASTE OF INDIA
36 King Street East
Toronto
swaagattoronto@gmail.com
Tel: 647-943-9754
13. WOODS RESTAURANT AND BAR
45 Colborne Street
Toronto
Robin Singh
info@woodsrestaurant.ca
Tel: 416-214-9918
www.woodsrestaurant.ca
14. aKin – Michelin 2025 approved
51 Colborne Street
Toronto
Mike Birdsey, Genral Manager
Eric Chong, chef + owner
info@atkintoronto.com
Tel: 416-363-0151
www.atkintoronto.com
aKin is a modern Asian-inspired fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Toronto. Offering a
meticulously curated 10-course blind tasting menu that highlights local and seasonal ingredients, with
influences from diverse Asian cuisines.
15. CANTINA MERCATTO
20 Wellington Street East
Toronto
Niam H
info@cantinamercatto.ca
Tel: 416-304-0781
www.cantinamercatto.ca
16. UNCLE TONY’S
38 Wellington St E
Toronto
Siva Sathasivam
uncletonyssiva@gmail.com
Tel: 416-455-6650
https://uncletonys.ca/
17. FRESH KITCHEN + JUICE BAR – vegan restaurant
47 Front Street East
Toronto
Lindsey Dauilmar
ldavilmar@recipeunlimited.com
Tel: 647-693-7556
www.freshkitchens.ca
This plant-based restaurant is so good you won’t even miss meat. It’s a great choice for delicious and
health-conscious food and a top pick for those with dietary restrictions. Choose from their lunch and
dinner menu or opt for their takeout bundles and get appetizers and entrees for multiple people.
18. THE FLAT IRON: A FIRKIN PUB
49 Wellington Street East
Toronto
JC Trujillo
Jctrujillo3@gmail.com
Tel: 647-561-7224, 416-362-3444
www.firkinpubs.com/theflatiron
If your team likes pub grub, then the Firkin’s traditional English food is for you. Order from their party
platter menu for large groups, which includes all your classic pub favourites like fish and chips, sliders,
skewers, tacos, nachos, charcuterie boards and more.
19. SCORE ON KING (Sports Bar)
Outdoor Patio + Heated
Church & King
107 King Street East
Toronto
Tel: 416-519-4654
www.scoreonking.com
20. RESTAURANT LUCIE
100 Yonge Street
Toronto
info@restaurantlucie.com
Tel: 416-788-9054
www.restaurantlucie.com
21. PIZZAIOLO
(no e-mail)
104 Yonge Street
Toronto
Tel: 416-860-0700
www.pizzaiolo.ca
Restaurants
1. Ryan Halsall
CRAFT BEER MARKET (OUTDOOR COURTYARD)
Courtyard backs onto our Telsec building, 18 King St. E
1 Adelaide St E (enter on east side of Yonge St., south of Adelaide)
Toronto, ON
M5C 2V9
Tel: 437-922-BEER (2337)
Website: www.craftbeermarket.ca
2. Michael Pagliaro
Carisma (Italian)
15 Toronto Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2E3
Tel: 416-864-7373
Website: www.carismarestaurant.com
3. Patti Shaw
Terroni (Italian)
57 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1K6
Tel: 416-203-3093
Website: www.terroni.com
4. Declan
Restaurant 20 Victoria – Michelin guide approved
20 Victoria Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2A1
Tel: 416-804-6066
Instagram for reservations: https://www.instagram.com/twentyvictoria/
5. Mana
Nami (Japanese)
55 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1K6
Tel: 416-362-7373
Website: www.namirestaurant.ca
6. Restaurant Lucie
100 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2W1
Tel: 416-788-9054
Website: www.restaurantlucie.com
7. Niam H
Cantina Mercatto
20 Wellington Street East
Toronto, ON
M5E 1C5
Tel: 416-304-0781
Website: www.cantinamercatto.ca
8. Siva Sathasivam
Uncle Tony’s
38 Wellington St E
Toronto, ON
M5E 1C7
Tel: 416-455-6650
Website: https://uncletonys.ca/
9. Pizzaiolo
104 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2Y6
Tel: 416-860-0700
Website: www.pizzaiolo.ca
10. Robin Singh
Woods Restaurant and Bar
45 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-214-9918
Website: www.woodsrestaurant.ca
11. Amadeusz Domyslawski
GUSTO 501
501 King St. E
Toronto, ON
M5A 1L9
Tel: 416-477-5647
Website: www.gusto501.com
Health and Wellness
1. Thom Tullo
Morpheus8 by Inmode
47 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-863-6564
Website: www.amanspa.ca
2. Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-366-3838
Website: www.altitudeathletictraining.com
3. Physioheath Studios
33 Victoria Street, #130
Toronto, ON
M5C 2A1
Tel: 416-368-2525
Website: www.physiohealth.com
Hotels
1. Jennifer Smith
General Manager
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1E9
Tel: 416-863-9700
Website: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
2. Mark Perry
General Manager
Executive Hotels and Resorts (Boutique)
8 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E1
Tel: 416-350-2419
Website: www.spazen.ca or www.cosmotoronto.com
3. Emeline Boul
General Manager
Hotel Victoria (Boutique)
56 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1G5
Tel: 416-363-1666
Mobile: 647-574-5832
Website: www.hotelvictoriatoronto.com
4. Omkar Sawant
Reservations Manager
One King West Hotel
1 King Street West
Toronto, ON
M5H 1A1
Main: 416-548-8100
Reservations: 1-866-470-5464
Website: www.onekingwest.com
5. Van Nguyen
General Manager
Cambridge Suites Toronto
15 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1N2
Direct: 416-601-3757
Hotel: 416-368-1990
Website: www.cambridgesuitestoronto.com
We are by far the most experienced and best coworking team in the market – established in 1980
18 King Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1C4 Canada
Please check out our 70 second video, click below:
Take a look at our facilities www.telsec.net
Telsec will Customize Your Client’s Office(s) Layout to Meet Their Requirements.
You are welcome to drop-in any-time, a quick call would be appreciated to ensure our availability Vanessa 416-574-1112 or Josie 416-606-4349 or e-mail josie@telsec.net.