Work Has Lost Its Social Role for Many People
For many people, work is more than a paycheck. It provides structure, social contact and a sense of belonging. But that social function of work is eroding, with consequences for health and ageing.
An analysis in the journal Science describes how the ‘social infrastructure of work’ is disappearing. That concept refers to the informal connections workplaces provide: colleagues, daily routines and a shared purpose. As permanent jobs give way to flexible contracts, remote work and automation, more people are losing those connections.
The authors link this to health research showing how social engagement influences lifespan and late-life health. People who are socially isolated show higher levels of chronic low-grade inflammation, a process that accelerates ageing. They also score worse on cognitive tests and face higher risks of depression and cardiovascular disease.
Beyond loneliness
The issue goes beyond loneliness. Work provides daily structure, and that structure turns out to be biologically relevant. Regular social interaction, a consistent daily rhythm and a sense of purpose are associated with lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and better immune function. When work no longer fulfils those roles, part of that biological protection disappears with it.
Retirement illustrates the point. For some people, retiring improves health; for others, it marks the beginning of accelerated decline. The difference depends heavily on whether someone has built alternative social structures. Those who remain socially active after retirement retain much of the protective benefit that work previously offered.
Policy and longevity
The analysis implicitly argues for policies that protect social connection in the workplace. Labour market flexibility has economic advantages, but its social costs have received little attention. From a longevity perspective, this is a significant blind spot: the quality of social connection in midlife predicts how healthily someone reaches their eighties.