With the growth of remote and hybrid ways of working, we have freedom to work anywhere. The new ways bring us flexibility and completeness. But with all the pluses, there is a risk to feeling isolated and lonely.
According to Red Cross’s report of 2023, one in ten workers feels lonely at work often with 43-45% of people feeling loneliness aspects sometimes.
You can try these tips not to feel isolated while working virtually.
Start a remote work routine.
It helps to set personal borders when you schedule your routine for work.
Start and finish work at the planned time, otherwise you risk staying overwhelmed.
Plan your day beforehand. Keep in mind the most productive time, and the time to focus.
Practice batching: for some people it’s easier to plan mornings for meetings only, and another half day for planning the next week. If you have flexibility to arrange collaborative and creative tasks differently, do it once to see if it works for you.
Don’t forget about breaks, breakfasts, and lunches. Your physical health is very important.
Encourage virtual team collaboration.
There are plenty of collaborative tools that help to organise team projects and have brainstorming.
You can also use instant messaging and video conferencing to stay connected with your colleagues.
Prioritize social interaction.
Join remote communities to meet new people and build connections. These organisations have online and in-person events. And this is a good chance to use your social skills and find new perspectives.
Arrange virtual coffee breaks or lunches with your co-workers or colleagues. They probably experience the same, and would be happy to have a chat, and know you better as a personality.
Plan attending local and online meet-up. This is so rewarding to find your ‘tribe’, by trying new things.
Practice self-care.
We can’t help anyone if we don’t help ourselves.
Slow down when you feel tired. Take a moment to breath slowly or mediate. It takes a few minutes, makes such a positive difference.
Find your coping mechanisms: talking to your friends or relatives; watching a film to escape or having a walk outside. Whatever helps you, get prepared to use it. Don’t be scared of asking for help. People are very often eager to support, and it helps them too.
Start a new hobby: dancing, hiking or running. Whatever makes you feel fulfilled. Movement has a massive impact on our wellbeing.
Whatever steps you take, always keep in mind, that it’s important you feel comfortable. If the meet-up or a new hobby aren’t quite working for you, just find another ones. Sometimes it takes time. But it’s worth of it.
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