Ben O'Connell
Humans are social creatures. Yet, in our post-coronavirus world, we work from home more than ever.
So, what happens when we are deprived of social connection, behind a work computer for hours on end, only to roll onto the couch or into bed and call it a day?
Yes, socialisation is vital to good health and wellness. But is working from home detrimental to our social creature selves?
During coronavirus, leaving the house was such a luxury. For those working from home, it becomes a need.
Visiting a third space, a place that isn’t work or home, is crucial to the human psyche.
But when work and home blur, the need for a third space, say a café, the library, or the gym, only increases.
Working from home means making your evenings and weekends matter is even more important.
Work to engage with people who you love, who inspire you, and who make you want to be a better person.
And carve time out for them over the evenings and weekends: quality over quantity. In the office, filler conversations can be common.
But working from home means no water cooler chats. But don’t just have dull or neutral conversations in your spare time! Instead, make those evenings and weekends count.
Remote work is now so common, and we have COVID-19 to thank. It’s a major transformation in how businesses operate and how employees perform their duties.
Tools like Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace have skyrocketed in popularity.
These tools have become indispensable for virtual meetings, project management, and day-to-day communication.
With the increase in remote work, there’s been a heightened focus on cybersecurity.
Companies have had to invest in secure VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and employee training on security best practices.
Managing remote teams means leadership focuses more on outcomes and trust rather than direct supervision and micromanagement.
Working from home lets people work around what’s important to them. Often, remote employees can manage their time more effectively around personal commitments and preferences.
Companies are figuring out how to keep everyone connected when they’re not in the same place. This means online activities for teams to have fun and regular chats to stay in touch.
Remote work is still new, and there are things to work on. Companies and employees need to make sure everyone feels involved, happy, and part of the team.
Without a commute to work, employees are now relied upon for a steady Internet connection.
But not everyone has the same resources for remote work. Some people don’t have a good Internet or a quiet space to work. We need to make sure everyone has a fair chance to work remotely.
While remote work can improve work-life balance, it also blurs the lines between work and personal life, sometimes leading to longer working hours and difficulty disconnecting.
Companies allowing for remote work options can see benefits in employee satisfaction, retention, and access to a broader talent pool.
Studies and reports have varied, with some showing increased productivity in remote settings because there are fewer distractions.
Others see challenges related to collaboration and innovation.
While remote work can enable individual productivity, nurturing collaboration and creativity remotely takes deliberate efforts and creative solutions.
Understanding this shift to remote work is critical for businesses looking to adapt and thrive in the new work landscape and for employees navigating their careers in a rapidly changing environment.
Achieving a healthy balance between work and social life is also key to well-being, productivity, and happiness.
Setting clear boundaries is the first step, where you define your work hours and create a dedicated workspace, which is key if you’re working from home.
Prioritisation is also key, with the need to identify important tasks and plan your week to ensure you have time for both work and personal activities.
Technology can be a double-edged sword, offering ways to stay connected with loved ones through communication tools while also demanding periodic digital detoxes to prevent burnout.
Actively making time for social activities, like scheduling regular meet-ups with friends or joining clubs, is essential for a fulfilling social life.
Remain proactive in your communication and initiate life-fulfilling interactions. Showing interest in others’ lives and thoughts encourages more meaningful interactions.
Participate in events, workshops, and gatherings that align with your interests or professional field. These can be great places to meet like-minded individuals.
Stay open to new experiences, leverage tech wisely especially if working from home, and make in-person meetings your focus.
Stress management is another notable aspect, where regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and concentrating on self-care can meaningfully improve one’s ability to balance work demands with personal life.
Communication also plays a role because negotiating work flexibility and expressing your needs to employers and loved ones can help set realistic expectations.
Lastly, seeking support when needed, whether through professional help or by leaning on your network, can offer strategies and reassurance.
Balancing work and social life isn’t about dividing your time equally.
It’s about having the flexibility to focus on what matters most at different stages of your life, ensuring both career success and personal satisfaction.
Working from home doesn’t always provide an ideal workspace. Distractions, ergonomic issues, and lack of dedicated space can hinder productivity and well-being.
This highlights the value of well-designed, functional offices for focused work and collaboration.
Home spaces often serve multiple purposes, leading to work-life bleed.
The pandemic emphasised the need for distinct zones for work, relaxation, and socialisation, showcasing the value of intentional design and spatial boundaries within physical spaces.
This emphasises spaces for collaboration, team building, meetings, and social interaction, further highlighting the role physical buildings and spaces play in connection and culture.
More so, as physical spaces become less central to daily work, companies re-evaluate how they build and maintain their culture and identity.
Create dedicated workspaces and routines that help you switch off when the workday ends and take breaks throughout the day to step away from the screen and engage in non-work activities.
This will help you stay mentally present and emotionally available for socialising.
Remember that everyone experiences social connection differently.
Some may naturally find it easier to maintain relationships while working remotely, while others may need to put in more effort.
The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don’t hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals or career counsellors if you’re struggling with social isolation or loneliness.
Working from home presents unique challenges but doesn’t have to dictate your social life.
By being proactive, setting boundaries, and prioritising connections, you can create a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience where your career and social well-being flourish.
With a proactive approach and an understanding of the potential challenges, you can thrive in both your professional and personal spheres. It doesn’t have to spell social doom.