Working from home can be a coveted perk, allowing you to opt out of rush-hour traffic and eliminate the tedious banalities of office life. But it can also cut you off from the spontaneous interactions that can spark new insights (part of the reason Marissa Mayer famously rescinded Yahoo’s telecommuting policies). And, at times, the solitude may lead to isolation or the feeling that you’re left out at work.
How to Avoid Loneliness When You Work Entirely from Home
Working from home can be a coveted perk. But it can also cut you off from the spontaneous interactions that can spark new insights, and at times the solitude may lead to isolation or the feeling that you’re left out at work. How can you combat loneliness and create positive relationships with colleagues when you work from home full-time? Start by seeking out an online community of like-minded practitioners. These discussion groups allow you to share successes and challenges without feelings of competition. It’s also helpful to leverage video technology. This allows you to read body language and provides a facsimile of in-person interaction. And finally, make a concerted effort to learn more about the personal lives of your colleagues. Ask about their recent vacation, their daughter’s sports matches, or their upcoming nuptials. Learning these small details can create bonds that enable you to build deeper relationships that are both personally gratifying and professionally beneficial.