Working From Home (Loneliness)

Working from home doesn’t need to lead to loneliness or isolation, but it does require intention, thoughtfulness, and planning. Interacting with others  — whether team members, clients, or friends — should be on your schedule every workday. When your workday is solitary, it’s a good idea to make sure you connect with and see another face during the day.

Here are some of the ways to actively combat isolation when working from home:

» Schedule one-on-one meetings. Put on your calendar several one-on-one meetings with team members or your boss. If you’re a freelancer, set up quick coffee meetings online or in person to serve several goals, including creating opportunities for connection, a commitment to networking, and getting out of your home office.

» Use a buddy system. Find a buddy — either professional or personal — who you can connect with regularly during your workday. It may be a colleague or neighbor whom you walk with in person or virtually every morning or a team member you connect with each week via videoconference for a personal check-in.

» Attend a virtual social hour. If you’re part of a team, take advantage of any virtual social events hosted by your leader, even if you don’t feel like it. These connections serve as trust builders and culture shapers and require your participation to feel more connected to your team. Don’t bail on the virtual happy hour or lunch-and-learn.

» Engage in instant messages (IMs) and chats. Use the informal communication vehicles of IMs and chats to connect regularly with colleagues throughout your day. Set up a fun Slack channel to share jokes, memes, or funny experiences happening at home with your kids. Just make sure they’re work appropriate. (Turn to Part 2 for more about Slack.) » Join employee resource groups (ERGs). Find a shared interest or hobby — like music, sports, reading, or cooking — with others on your team. Form a group that you commit to connecting with regularly and sharing insights, thoughts, or recipes.

Source: Working From Home by Tara Powers, MS, et al.