Here are 3 things you should do to fight loneliness while working remote
2021-11-10
Working remote has many advantages. Still, there are challenges to overcome. One of the challenges is social isolation. Working asynchronous as a distribute team makes it harder to create social connections and can lead to loneliness.
Here are 3 things you should do to fight it:
Attend social events
Many teams are coming up with daily social sessions now. For instance, a daily coffee break or random donut sessions. While they might feel awkward in the beginning, eventually it will become easier to participate and get a feeling of belonging. I know it's weird that it has to be planned, but don't give up to early.
Ask co-workers to do pairing sessions
Working asynchronous doesn't mean you have to work alone in a hidden chamber with dim lights. Ask your co-workers if they want to meet for a pairing session. Could be online and offline. Work on a topic together for some time. It's not forbidden to see each other when working remote. It's the freedom of choice that makes the difference.
Start playing Dungeons & Dragons
One could say it's just another social event, but I think playing games (doesn't have to be D&D) together is a little different from a short coffee break. It's more intense, and you learn a lot about your co-workers too. Again, could be online or offline.
All the activities are not new, they have been around for a while. Nevertheless, when working remote, you have to plan and attend them. You have to manage your social interactions more carefully now.
Don't forget: Come up with such feelings in your 1:1. Things can only change when we talk about it.