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are no shortcuts to supporting mental health, and it is not a "check-the-box" type of activity for
workplaces. Innovative, scalable, efficient resources are needed, and technology can play a vital
role in those resources [50]–[55]. However, a technology-based, standalone solution cannot
reproduce critical aspects needed to support employees' mental health. Those can be fulfilled
only by human interaction (e.g., acknowledging emotions).
At face value, it would be reasonable to think that isolation and loneliness would be such
a significant concern during the COVID-19 pandemic that many employees offered a no-cost
resource would opt in. This study found that despite the unprecedented risk of loneliness and
social isolation in a pandemic, there was low uptake and engagement, limiting our ability to
determine the effectiveness of Hugr Authentic Connections app. Participants did not engage at
levels high enough to test its impact. However, there is no evidence suggesting that Hugr
Authentic Connections app cannot impact employees' behavioural and mental health outcomes.
Based on this study and literature reviews, this app would likely perform better as a part of an
integrated solution that includes human interaction (e.g., webinars, open Q&A, message boards,
or virtual events for sharing experiences).
Summary
The Hugr Authentic Connections app addresses the critically important topics of
loneliness and social isolation that were a challenge before the COVID-19 pandemic and will
likely continue during and beyond the pandemic. Loneliness, social isolation, and authentic
relationships became even more critical during the pandemic with a high potential to
significantly influence employees' mental health. Furthermore, many potential risks of isolation,
