There has been a disturbing trend cropping up in the workplace: loneliness. A new survey from Cigna indicates that most American adults can be considered “lonely.” Not only does this affect the happiness and well-being of individual employees, but it also has a negative impact on workgroups and an organization as a whole—reducing collaboration, creativity, innovation, and productivity.

So, what’s causing this epidemic of loneliness?

It’s hard to say what makes everyone tick, but the increased use of digital technology at work can’t be ignored. While allowing for more communication—anytime, anywhere—virtual tools, including social networks, email, and countless messaging platforms, may actually be isolating us from one another.