‘Business vs. Loneliness’ Report Launched With University of Manchester
April 2025
We're pleased to share Business vs. Loneliness with you—our new report that urges companies to take the lead in addressing one of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges of our time.
Whether through workplace culture, customer experiences, or community impact, it shows how businesses can deliver profitable solutions to the problem of loneliness.
The report presents the results of an extensive global study on loneliness we conducted with The University of Manchester, which was funded by Mars, Incorporated. The research is based on over 50,000 individual responses—the largest dataset of its kind—from participants in five countries around the world.
“This report offers a clear, innovative framework that empowers companies to make a real impact, both within their organisations and across society. The solutions presented are practical and forward-thinking.”
Professor Pamela Qualter
Manchester University Professor and Co-chair of the World Health Organization Technical Advisory Group on Social Connection
A Strategic Opportunity for Business
Drawing on practical case studies, the report demonstrates how companies can turn loneliness into an opportunity for generating both social impact and sustainable business growth by applying the Economics of Mutuality operating model.
One example given is how Asahi Europe & International used hospitality spaces and an online platform to help young adults overcome loneliness through meaningful social connections, based on an in-depth study conducted in the Czech Republic with the Economics of Mutuality Alliance’s Mutual Value Labs.
“Applying the Economics of Mutuality operating model has helped our brands to drive positive societal impact and meaningful commercial growth at the same time. I encourage more companies to join the Business vs. Loneliness change platform and take action toward lasting change.”
Mandikova Drahomira
Group Chief Sustainability Officer
Asahi Group Holdings
Upcoming Business vs. Loneliness Events
To accompany the report, we are hosting a series of events that will enable purpose-driven business leaders to learn more and connect with other innovators from the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Webinar: Should Business Tackle Loneliness?
Tuesday 27 May, 2025
09.00-10.30 EDT / 14.00-15.30 BST / 21.00-22.30 SGT
Speakers:
Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health, Government of Sweden
Mandikova Drahomira, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Asahi Group Holdings
Pamela Qualter, Manchester University Professor and Co-chair of the World Health Organization Technical Advisory Group on Social Connection
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Expert in Social Connection & Health and Professor at Brigham Young University
Alastair Colin-Jones, Senior Director of Business Transformation & Learning at Mutual Value Labs
London Roundtable
Thursday 5 June, 2025
14.00-16.30 BST + Drinks Reception 16.30-18.00 BST
Hammersmith, London, UK
An opportunity for senior business leaders to explore how companies can tackle loneliness profitably. Featuring practical case studies from pioneering businesses and insights from leading voices in academia, government, and the non-profit sector.
We will also be hosting three other webinars focussed on specific sectors and a Symposium in London on 16 September. To learn more and register for these events, click here.
Join the Business vs. Loneliness Change Platform
Building on the report, events, and a broader campaign, our ambition is to establish a change platform that drives real-world action. If you would like to learn more about joining the platform or have ideas to share, please reach out by emailing hello@eom.org
