Lost Connections – Johann Hari, 2018

In some regards, this isn’t the sort of book that would naturally fall into our Future of Work basket. We do, however, consider it relevant and important. The author, Johann Hari, a self-confessed long-term sufferer of anxiety and depression himself, has undergone an exploration of some of the underlying causes of depression in the 21st Century, suggesting along the way that not all forms of depression are simply attributable to genetic defects and therefore treatable by medication. 

The book proposes that, in fact, many causes of anxiety and depression are due to a lack of human-to-human connection and a lack of wider purpose and meaning in life.  At a time when our sense of community and belonging is being eroded by mass consumerism, growing elitism and inequality, an increasing obsession with instant gratification, and an endless race to be seen and heard online, Hari has bravely, and rightly, in our opinion, suggested that perhaps meaningfully reconnecting with one another could go some way to mitigate the mental ill-health epidemic that is sweeping the developed world.

This is a 'must-read' for anyone involved in workplace health and wellbeing and for anyone looking to build a more cohesive and engaged workforce.​