Working from Home Without Feeling Isolated
Relationships are a crucial part of healthy living. People can motivate us to stretch for our goals, keep us accountable, and remind us that leaning on each other is a much deeper, fulfilling lifestyle than solo pursuits.
Even if you’re more introverted, you still need connections in life.
Currently, I work remotely full-time for a company. Getting adjusted to a more physically isolated workday was a challenge for me, but I’ve learned how to still press into relationships even with the majority of my day spent at home. Here are some tips I’ve found helpful for making sure you don’t let the isolation of a workday lead to an isolated lifestyle.
Schedule Coffee Chats with Coworkers
If your work schedule allows, schedule 15 minute catch up calls periodically with coworkers. Make these calls less formal than a project meeting. Discuss professional development, life updates, and thoughts on cultural moments. One of these calls by itself likely won’t change your relationship with an individual, but over time, deeper connections can form.
Attend a Workout Class Instead of Exercising Alone
Exercise can be a source of camaraderie when participating in group exercises, among a host of other benefits. If you work from home, participating in group exercise classes can both accomplish a health goal and a social goal. Plus, you tend to meet people throughout your community who can help you get connected to other circles and widen your social experiences.
Join a Community Club
Have a hobby or interest? Join or start a club focused on that topic and meet others who find pleasure in the same thing. Belonging to a community club can remind you to pause and do the activity you enjoy when life gets busy. For example, being part of a book club keeps you accountable to read since you’re reading the book to enjoy it by yourself, yes, but also discuss it with friends.
Volunteer Somewhere
When working from home, you may miss the sense of camaraderie that comes from working alongside others in person. Volunteering somewhere in person can provide this sense of camaraderie while benefiting the community you live in. There’s something special about working with others to achieve a common goal and knowing you have a part to play in your community.
Work with Others who Work from Home
If your work allows, choose to occasionally work in the same location as a friend who also works from home. You could make snacks and coffee and take turns going over to each others’ homes or meet in a public, quiet coffee shop.
Meet Coworkers in Person when Possible
Often, meeting coworkers in person, even briefly, strengthens the virtual communication and relationship building. If you have the option to go to the office occasionally or attend company events, choose to go when life allows. Some of my coworkers who I’ve gotten closer with will mention when they’re passing through my town, and we’ll meet for a meal. Press into the in-person meetings when you can.
Participate in a Team Chat
Yes, some group chats can be annoying. I get it. But, if your work team has a team chat, be sure to stay in-the-know. Wish team members happy birthday, give shoutouts to life updates and professional wins, ask questions about projects that apply to the group, etc. A team chat can be professionally productive and a tool for team bonding.
Join a Professional Organization
Your work may be remote, but that doesn’t mean your whole network has to be. Find a local professional organization and become a member. Or, if you live in a town without a niche professional organization, join a community or leadership organization or serve on a board. You could also likely find a professional organization with virtual events. When you attend the events, be sure to connect with others on LinkedIn and perhaps virtual coffee chats.
Truthfully, you likely don’t have the time to integrate all these tips all the time. That’s okay. These are all things I’ve done in the past few years of working from home, but I haven’t done them all at once. Find the right combo for you, but be sure that you’re not letting working from home lead to being alone all the time.