I havent read about workplace interactions as an intervention for loneliness and depression. It would be hard to run a RCT on that, so you would only be left with correlation.
I dont know why making it a more pleasant experience during work has anything to do with how much someone thinks about it outside of work.
I think the comparison would a workplace where people can take a break and chat with friends, vs one where they spend their breaks in isolation.
Alternatively, a workplace where a grocer talks with customer while filling an order vs one where they get a packing list from a machine and puts it in a pickup box.
I dont know why making it a more pleasant experience during work has anything to do with how much someone thinks about it outside of work.