Development and Validation of Brief Measures of Workplace Loneliness

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate two concise measures of workplace loneliness. Methods: A three-item scale for loneliness at work (SLAW-3) and a single-item scale for loneliness at work (SLAW-1) were developed by modifying existing scales for general loneliness. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted of 1,228 full-time employees in Japan to test the reliability and validity of these scales. Internal consistency of the SLAW-3 was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the construct validity was examined through correlations with established measures of workplace loneliness, psychological distress, well-being, self-rated health, and workplace social support. Results: The SLAW-3 demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91) and unidimensionality. It correlated positively with established measures of workplace loneliness and psychological distress measures and negatively with well-being and workplace social support measures. The SLAW-1 also demonstrated significant correlation with the SLAW-3 and with psychological indicators such as distress, well-being, self-rated health, and workplace social support. Conclusions: The SLAW-3 was found to be a reliable and valid measure of workplace loneliness. The SLAW-1 also demonstrated adequate construct validity, despite its single-item format. Both scales are short and may be effectively used to assess workplace loneliness in large-scale employee surveys or brief screenings.