Loneliness and longing: investigating the impact of workplace isolation on employees’ citizenship fatigue and social learning

Purpose As workplace isolation becomes increasingly prominent, existing research remains relatively scarce. This study adopts a more comprehensive and dynamic perspective to analyze the emotional and cognitive impacts of workplace isolation, clarify its boundaries, and provide practical guidance for organizations to address this challenge. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal design was employed, with data collected at three time points. Data were collected through online and offline channels from employees in China. The initial sample comprised 485 employees, with 416 responding at Time 2 (85.77% retention rate) and 371 providing complete datasets at Time 3 (89.18% retention rate), yielding an overall response rate of 76.49%. Findings Workplace isolation exerts a positive influence on both workplace loneliness and problem-solving pondering. Workplace loneliness mediates the relationship between workplace isolation and citizenship fatigue. Problem-solving pondering mediates the relationship between workplace isolation and social learning. Self-enhancing humor positively moderates the relationship between workplace isolation and problem-solving pondering. Originality/value Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study develops a dual-path model of workplace isolation based on “resource loss prevention – defensive resource investment” dynamics. This model offers fresh theoretical insights and practical guidance for organizations in designing cognitive empowerment and intervention strategies.