Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China
Workplace loneliness is a growing concern in modern organizations, as employees increasingly report feeling disconnected despite being surrounded by colleagues. While previous research has largely focused on the detrimental effects of workplace loneliness, we challenge this prevailing view by investigating the potential adaptive outcomes of workplace loneliness through the lens of impression management theory. Drawing on data from a multiple-source, time-lagged field study with 226 employees, our findings reveal that workplace loneliness is positively associated with relational reputation maintenance concern, which subsequently fosters relationship-building behaviors, including leader-directed ingratiation, coworker-directed helping, and interdepartmental relationship extension. Furthermore, these effects are amplified for employees with high relationship-contingent self-esteem. By highlighting the strategic and adaptive functions of workplace loneliness, we contribute to a more nuanced understanding of its role in shaping employee behaviors.
