Gallup: Leaders Experience More Loneliness Than Employees

Gallup's 2026"State of the Global Workplace" report, analyzing data from over 160 countries, has identified a surprising trend: company leaders experience higher levels of loneliness than their employees.

The study found that senior leaders scored 10 points higher on a loneliness scale compared to individual contributors. Additionally, leaders reported an average of 7 more points of daily stress, 12 more points of anger, and 11 more points of sadness than other employees. These findings suggest that those responsible for organizational culture are quietly enduring greater emotional strain.

The data further indicates a decline in emotional well-being among leaders, who report laughing, smiling, and experiencing enjoyment less frequently than their staff. These insights echo sentiments shared by several prominent CEOs, who have spoken about the isolating paradox of leading large organizations.

Gallup's research underscores the reality of the phrase "it's lonely at the top." Loneliness, defined as a lack of meaningful human connection, can have significant implications. Previous research, including advisories from former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, has linked chronic social disconnection to health risks comparable to smoking, increasing overall mortality, heart disease, and stroke risks.