Alone Together: Unraveling the Ties between Isolation and Suicide with Dr. Kayla Follmer | Ep. 39

Have you ever felt alone in a group of people? Have you ever been shunned by work colleagues? Today we are going to explore what it’s like to be "Alone Together," and we are joined by Professor Kayla Follmer of West Virginia University, an expert in occupational health psychology. Our discussion will navigate the often-misunderstood paths of isolation at work —both intentional and unintentional—and their profound impact on suicide risk.

Many of us have lived through the painful experiences of workplace shunning and exclusion, but might not have connected the dots on how these experiences can contribute to feelings of thwarted belonging.

Join us as we unpack the complexities of isolation, discuss preventative strategies, and consider how each of us can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society. Whether you’re someone who has felt on the outside, or you're a workplace leader seeking insights into better understanding how to decrease loneliness and isolation at work, this conversation aims to offer understanding and hope.

More about Dr. Kayla Follmer

Dr. Kayla Follmer is an Associate Professor of Management at West Virginia University. Her research centers on understanding the unique experiences of employees with mental illness, including the connection between workplace social factors and suicidal ideation, with a focus on educating managers and peers of how to better support vulnerable employees.

Takeaways

  • Micro-interactions matter.

  • Legal behavior doesn’t mean safe behavior.

Contact Max

  • Email: kayla.follmer@mail.wvu.edu

  • LinkedIn

Show Notes:

https://hbr.org/2022/01/what-employers-need-to-know-about-suicide-prevention

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/job.2519

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749597820304210