Our new way to search for purposeful work

Issue 831, Mon 16 February, 2026

Happy Monday Escapees,

A small truth about flexible work in 2026: the admin is easier, but the humans are harder.

Later alarms. Your own kettle. No commute. No one judging your “quick walk” that suspiciously lasts 43 minutes. Brilliant.

But connection does not magically happen just because you have Slack.

Mental Health UK found 41% of 18 to 24 year olds and 30% of 25 to 34 year olds say loneliness at work has affected their mental health. And the CIPD has been flagging that hybrid can hit people’s connection to culture and purpose if you do not build intentionally.

So, a few genuinely practical ways to “Escape loneliness” if you are working from home, hybrid, or just feeling a bit socially offline.

1) Create one repeatable “people anchor” each week

Not a grand social plan. One thing. A coworking morning, a Wednesday class, a Friday coffee, a team lunch, a volunteering shift. The key is repeatable, not perfect.

2) Borrow other people’s routine

If you are stuck in your own four walls, work from a library, a local cafe, or a coworking space once a week. You do not need to talk to anyone. Just being around other humans helps.

3) Make plans that start and end

Loneliness loves vague intentions. Book things with a start time. Running club at 6.30. Swim at 7.15. Volunteer shift 10 to 12. Your future self will thank you.

4) Do “small talk” on purpose

A voice note to a mate. A five minute call while you walk. A “how are you really” message to someone you like but have not seen in ages. Low effort, high return.

And, as always, if what you are craving is not just more connection but a different kind of work altogether, today’s Top 10 is below. Proper roles, at organisations trying to do things well.

Happy Escaping

Team Escape

• Job Title: Director of People and Culture

  Organisation: UNICEF UK

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Operations Coordinator

  Organisation: Cool Earth

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Chief Impact and Movement Officer

  Organisation: B Lab Global

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Finance & Operations Officer

  Organisation: CrossSense

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Partnerships Coordinator

  Organisation: Founders Forum

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Finance Manager (Part-time)

  Organisation: Institute for Human Rights & Business

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: COO

  Organisation: Vivobarefoot

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: People Coordinator

  Organisation: Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Partner Marketing Manager

  Organisation: The Pennies Foundation

  Apply for Job

• Job Title: Senior Director, People, Culture + Justice

  Organisation: Patagonia

  Apply for Job