A self-checking guide and solutions for knowing when you need human-to-human contact.

By May 

When we began our pandemic social distancing in 2020, many of us began working from home.  And soon after our make-shift offices were set up, the buzz about the pros and cons of the work-at-home life started.

Most companies were on board at first, but several months later, they began asking for a return to the office.

Many companies complained about poor day-to-day production.

Some asked the staff if the poor production rate was from lack of incentive or was it the lack of human contact they were missing from the office culture.

As a result of poor performance, businesses began a strict regimen of micromanaging their staff with frequent and longer Zoom meetings and a change in company standards. (Endless memes ensued…)

But some companies understood the root of their workforce problem was stemming from a lack of social isolation. These companies began incorporating hybrid WAH plans, like offering the option to work a day at the office, more group projects via video calls, and outdoor meet-ups.

The connection effect was and will always be a struggle!

The toll that social isolation can take on us is often not realized until we’ve made contact with others again. It’s a brutal realization that your work has suffered too, but there are ways to cope and prevent this from happening in the future.

I’ve worked several years at WAH jobs and in hybrid / in-office settings. I’ll share my method on how I know when it’s time to get out there with my people and what I do to combat the isolation blues.

 

What is Social Isolation?

Social isolation is the lack of social contact and having few people to interact with regularly.

In-person interaction is most beneficial in fulfilling your human-to-human connections, but these interactions vanish in a WAH environment creating the perfect recipe for social isolation.

In the WAH environment, you’ll need to purposely seek out an in-person interaction.  Conversations that could easily be with a client, customer, a grocery store clerk, your BFF, the mailman, or your co-workers.

If you’re just starting to WAH, the lack of communication with co-workers may hit first.

For instance, you can’t stop by Joe/Jill’s cubicle after getting feedback from your boss, or just to say good morning.

Instead, you’ll have to tuck it in until you find someone that will allow you to vent. And if you’re dying to share a juicy story, you’ll feel the burn of social isolation sink in real quick.

To prevent social isolation, you’ll need to recognize the pangs when they occur and find your new “office” culture to share daily greetings and conversations.

 

Raising The Roof

Let’s take a moment to appreciate a few highlights that go along with remote work, and I don’t mean working in your pajamas- which is indeed dreamy.

Applause, applause, applause:

• Spending more time with your family and friends.
• Better work/life balance.
• Save on hair, make-up, nails, fashion, etc.
• No commute saves on gas money and wear and tear on a vehicle.
• Work out on your lunch break.
• Save on bus and other commuter fares.
• You can cook a meal on your lunch break.
• Take a shower on your break.
• Watch television or listen to music without distracting others.
• Have a better overall balance of healthy habits that include family and friends.

 

Nay Nay

Now, we can all agree that WAH life isn’t for everyone (ahem, office slackers…)

In fact, the workforce who didn’t acclimate to the WAH environment were often the same worker(s) who had problems in the office. Right?

Some complaints shared about the dark side of remote work:

• Social isolation
• More alcohol consumption
• Harder to unplug after work
• Marriage and relationship problems
• Supervisors lack control and supervision- leading to micromanaging
• Lack of routine and structure
• No commute
• No separation from office and home life
• Lack of engaged audience members during a video presentation
• Promotions and raises are harder to achieve

Despite these complaints, Smallbizgenuis reported that 76% of workers would be more willing to stay with their current employer if they could work flexible hours.

And Globally, 52% of workers work from home at least once every week.

Whether you’re for or against WAH, I think every company should have a plan B in place in this pandemic era.

 

Human to Human- at Home

David Byrne says, “The arts don’t exist in isolation.”

In telework, there’s a small price to pay in creating the space where you can thrive, and that price is regular human contact.

Think about it- you’re setting up to do your job in the same place you sleep, eat, plan your future, and perform your self-care routine. You’re supposed to create your “art” in this place where about 50% of your life happens.

Your conversations will not be around the water cooler; they will be with the same people you see every day, whether it’s with your family members or your roommate. If you live alone, the isolation may hit sooner.

Even for my introvert friends, there comes a time when you’ll need a stimulating conversation about something other than work, kids, or whatever’s on the schedule this week.

When you realize your new world is small,  you can take the right steps to get the right about of conversation in; aka- get your “art” out there. Keep in mind that digital technology is no substitute for human contact.

 

 SIDEBAR:

If you’ve had enough of humans for a bit and just want to watch animals while you work, check out the many webcams at Explore.org. The bears of Katmai National Park are obviously my favorite, but they are puppies, owls, buffalo, pandas, and pretty much any animal you can think of.

 

Work From Anywhere

No one said you had to contain yourself to the four walls of your home office, or what I like to call the social isolation hub.

This realization was one of the most liberating moments in my first year of WAH.

The freedom of picking up my lappy and notebooks and relocating my workstation for the day was the bee’s knees. That summer, I worked almost exclusively sitting poolside at the local Marriott, writing newsletters, blogs, and website content for clients. Break time was a dip in the pool and a refill of cool water.

Even though there was minimal communication with other people, I was outside, enjoying the fresh air and the fun sounds of summer. I was not in my office at home, surrounded by too much of my lifestyle.

Sometimes changing your work environment will give you that boost of clarity and help you re-focus on your work.

I’ve also posted up at:

• The local library
• Coffee shops
• Parks
• Beach
• Shopping malls

Take a moment and consider your own community and you’ll likely find endless places to remote work. I’ve even talked with people who have gone on family vacations, all while teleworking. Wi-Fi is pretty much free everywhere.

So keep an open mind about where you can perform your work and remember to change it up. Your work will shine and your employer will shine on you.

 

Warning Signs it’s Time to Socialize

One of the keys to getting enough socialization while you WAH is to make it a point to spend just enough time communicating with others.

This means knowing how much socialization you require on a daily basis.

Being self-aware of your limits and what you need to feel fulfilled will help you be more productive and engage with others in a more meaningful way.

I say this because if you’re wondering how you’ll know when it’s time to get out there, believe me when I say, you’ll know.

One of the tell-all signs is how you begin communicating with people you barely know but here are more warning signs:

• Are you over-sharing with strangers?
• You don’t feel confident in conversation.
• You’re lost in thought while others are talking to you.
• You’re ruminating on things that others say to you.
• You haven’t dressed up in a while.
• You feel awkward in conversation.

Remember, you need to seek the human contact you’re no longer getting from your office environment. In doing so, it may be awkward at first, but you will soon feel the groove again.

 

 

Intentional Communication 

Just as the a.m. water cooler was intended for sleazy topics and gossip, you will need to intentionally set times outside of your WAH hours for human interaction.

Here are some helpful ideas to get you back out there socializing with the good people in your neighborhood or workplace.

1. Work together- Open your video app- Zoom or Skype and invite your co-worker(s) to work with you. No conversation is needed. Sometimes it’s just nice to be able to see your co-workers while working, even if you’re not chatting it up.
2. Exercise Breaks- Meet up with your friend or co-worker during an extended lunch break or after work for a yoga class (or Zumba, spin, Pilates, etc.)
3. Meet up after work for happy hour.
4. Walk the mall or local track together. Make it a point to discuss topics other than what you talk about with your immediate family.
5. Take a class or join a sports team like Pickleball.
6. Be an information and experience seeker- you will always meet new people that way.
7. Schedule your breaks as a video call with a co-worker and catch up.
8. Schedule family play dates or meet-ups.
9. Take an art class.
10. Join a co-share workspace.

The key to avoiding social isolation is to remain creative, optimistic, and engaged with others.

Be present and in the moment while you’re socializing.

 

Social Isolation and Mental Health

Aside from a work setting, social isolation has a much darker element, leading to depression, anxiety, social anxiety with panic attacks, and even dementia.

The CDC reports that social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions.

If you know anyone whose mental health has been affected by social isolation, be kind to them by offering your patience and help to reacclimate into crowds. Start with small outings with a plan to work towards more extensive excursions. If your person needs more help than you can provide, consult a mental health professional.

 

Wrapping Up

Most of our time here on earth is spent working on something, whether that’s a place you spend eight or more hours a day working in an office, or if you’re a stay-at-home worker or parent.

If you find yourself in the odd position one day that you’ve become too socially isolated, give one of these options a try and let us know how it goes in the comments below. If you have any additional suggestions, please offer them to readers in the comments below.