Loneliness can be a common challenge for remote workers. Humans are not wired to sit alone in front of a screen all day. Instead, studies have proven that we're actually wired for connection with others. So, while there are lots of great things about working from home (like wearing pajama bottoms all day long and working from the comfort of your couch!) the isolation is a real drawback. Luckily, there are several strategies that can help combat loneliness.
Here are four proven strategies for how to fight loneliness as a remote worker:
Connect with Coworkers
While not having to hear every cough, sneeze, and call of your coworkers like you did in the office, it's still important to make an effort to connect your coworkers throughout the work day. In fact, because remote work is naturally more siloed, making it a point to strike up conversations with colleagues throughout the day becomes even more important. Take advantage of the collaboration tools your employer provides and reach out via chat channels like Slack or video call. Try scheduling a standing weekly virtual lunch or mid-day virtual coffee break with a coworker or two to build relationships and create a sense of community.
Join a Remote Community
If your coworkers aren't up for connecting throughout the day, find a virtual online community for remote workers instead. With remote work so popular these days, people all over the country are looking to connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences. You may find a Facebook group full of people who share an interest in your job or favorite hobby, or maybe there's a Slack channel full of people in your industry or niche looking to connect, support each other, and bounce ideas off of each other.
Pursue Hobbies and Interests
Take advantage of your more flexible schedule and pursue a hobby or learn a new skill to fight loneliness as a remote worker. Maybe there's a local group of bird watchers you've been meaning to go exploring with? Set your alarm for the early morning meetup and join them! Maybe there's a yoga class you've thought about taking or cooking class you've been dying to try. The possibilities are endless and the people in these classes and groups share your interests, which gives you common ground to start connecting with them from your very first meeting. Pursuing your passions can help provide a sense of fulfillment and connection outside of work.
Work from a Coworking Space
Working from a coworking space - also known as a shared office space - can provide you with the opportunity to interact with other professionals and help you create a routine. While working from a shared office space, you'll be able to network and socialize with fellow members throughout the work day and extend those connections at member-only events hosted by the space.
They're a perfect mixture of flexibility and structure, with multiple membership levels and plan options to suit the needs of remote workers, no matter if you want just one day a week out of the house, or are in search of a full-time office atmosphere. For example, Lake City Coworking offers 5-pack and 10-pack memberships for remote workers who like working from home, but want to spend a day or two a week working alongside others and building a network of peers while they work.
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