Workplace loneliness and healthcare utilization in Germany

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the association between workplace loneliness and healthcare utilization in Germany. Methods: Data were taken from a population-based sample (ensuring representativeness regarding age, geographical location, and gender). Of the 2591 individuals responding to an online survey, 1975 were employed and included in the analyses. The number of visits to a general practitioner, the number of visits to specialists, and hospitalization (no or yes) were used as outcomes (in each case: in the preceding 12 months). Feelings of loneliness in the workplace (4-point scale from “almost never” to “almost always”) served as the key independent variable. Based on the established Andersen model, it was adjusted for predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and need factors. Negative binomial regression models were used to explore the association between workplace loneliness and healthcare utilization. Results: In the fully adjusted model, regressions showed that feeling lonely at work was associated with a significantly higher incidence rate of general practitioner visits (almost always compared to almost never, incidence rate ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 1.63), specialist visits (often compared to almost never, incidence rate ratio: 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.002 to 1.482), and higher odds of hospitalization (e.g., occasionally compared to almost never, odds ratio: 1.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 1.93). Conclusions: As the first study, our study examined the association between workplace loneliness and healthcare utilization. The data suggest that workplace loneliness is positively associated with healthcare utilization. Addressing loneliness at work may assist in reducing the pressure on the healthcare system, pending longitudinal evidence.