Sharia Economic and Management Business Journal (SEMBJ)
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Sharia Economic and Management Business

Mapping Workplace Loneliness in Remote Working Environments: Cross-Sector Evidence, Antecedents, and Organizational Implications

Helsa Amelia Nesya Ivadianty (Universitas Brawijaya)
Hamidah Nayati Utami (Universitas Brawijaya)
Ika Ruhana (Universitas Brawijaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: The proliferation of remote work has transformed organizational interaction dynamics and heightened concerns regarding employees’ social connectedness. However, the effects of remote work on workplace loneliness vary across organizational sectors and remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of remote work on workplace loneliness and identify contextual risk factors influencing this relationship. Method: This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) approach by analyzing peer-reviewed empirical studies retrieved from a major academic database. The selected articles were screened and evaluated based on predefined inclusion criteria, and the findings were synthesized to identify patterns and contextual factors associated with workplace loneliness in remote work settings. Results: The findings demonstrate that remote work produces dual effects. On one hand, flexibility and autonomy enhance employees’ perceived control and short-term well-being. On the other hand, prolonged reductions in informal social interactions weaken employees’ sense of belonging and intensify feelings of loneliness. Sectoral differences indicate that knowledge-intensive, creative, and public service sectors are more vulnerable to relational disconnection, whereas effective communication protocols and organizational support mechanisms reduce the risk of social isolation. Furthermore, individual, occupational, and institutional factors collectively shape these outcomes. Conclusion: This study concludes that workplace loneliness in remote work environments is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced by the interaction of personal, job-related, and organizational factors. By integrating fragmented evidence across sectors into a comprehensive analytical framework, the study highlights the importance of relational resources and provides practical implications for designing socially sustainable and psychologically supportive remote work arrangements.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sembj

Publisher

Subject

Religion Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Other

Description

SEMB-J, sharia economic and management business journal is peer-reviewed journal published by Yayasan Darussalam Bengkulu. SEMB-J focus on the research of sharia economic and management business. The aim of this journal is to explore and develop economic management related to islamic and business. ...