While these days hybrid work is heavily scheduled, it doesn’t mean that you can’t pepper a bit of excitement into your workday, even if you have to plan it out. Pretty much all companies have a “random” or a “break room” Slack channel, but anyone https://remotemode.net/blog/tips-on-how-to-make-friends-when-you-work-from-home/ who frequents it knows that the environment feels much more controlled than in real life. Often, you’ll notice that your work Slack is used for non-problematic small talk featuring memes, inside jokes, or gossip vaguely related to the office.
If you have been a victim of it, you must have thought about how to make friends when you work from home. “Repotting,” according to Ryan Hubbard, founder of the Kitestring Project, means varying the settings in which you interact. The more friends we repot, according to one study, the deeper the friendships. That means if you only ever interact at work, it’ll be hard to strengthen your bond.
Find your productivity window
If you’re a parent and you’re sharing caregiving responsibilities, coordinate your schedules accordingly. For example, you can divide the day into shifts, alternating working and focusing on child care. Transitioning to remote work might have thrown off your schedule, so getting back into a daily morning routine can help you feel ready to start your workday. When this quote is applied to task prioritization, it’s a sound piece of advice.
It’s work after all, generally defined as the exertion of mental or physical energy. Things that are relaxing and easy all the time, like watching Netflix, generally do not come with a salary. Still, most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else; enjoying it matters for your overall well being.
Overcommunicate when working in different time zones
With a little preparation, virtual happy hours can be just as enjoyable as in-person ones. When you’re hosting, it can be helpful to have a few conversation starters up your sleeve. As most everyone has discovered this past year, small talk takes a little more effort when it’s taking place over Zoom. That’s where you come in with a discussion on recent news, or a classic guessing game like two truths and a lie. You can even add a book club or film club element to your virtual happy hour. You can start by chatting with the person next to you in line or at your table.
- This provides an opportunity to connect with other professionals and build relationships based on shared interests.
- Also, those of you who enjoy reading books may talk about your interests in this space.
- If you liked this article, check out the WFH Boundaries Workshop.
- For starters, you are sure to find plenty of organizations right in your own backyard.
- That’s where you come in with a discussion on recent news, or a classic guessing game like two truths and a lie.
- Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make friends when you work from home.
It’s better to separate your home life and work environment so there are clear boundaries. Conversely, if the situation calls for frequent back-and-forths in real time, a quick call would be more ideal. Thriving in these new circumstances can be challenging, so we’re covering 30 work from home tips for boosting productivity. Notice that Shonda had a big smile on her face when someone mentioned the latest episode of “Only Murders in the Building”? Send her a quick message asking what she thought about the cliffhanger ending.
Trust, accountability, and communication in remote work policies
If you’re intentional about “going to work,” you’re also more likely to be productive. When your personal and professional lives intertwine at home, external interruptions during work hours are inevitable—understandably so. That said, you can also take steps to limit distractions as much as possible. To ensure everyone on your team is on the same page, establish guidelines for the frequency, timing, and means of communication. Additionally, determine how cross-departmental communication will work. Embrace transparency, foster a sense of belonging, form connections – and have fun along the way.
- Even if it’s just for a quick chat in the kitchen or at someone’s desk, make sure to do this effort.
- While working from home gives you flexibility (goodbye, commute), it often means less structure and more distractions from your housemates.
- If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even start your own company or group.
- Joining a private Facebook group or chatroom with other parents can be an excellent way to connect and make friends.
- If you’re a parent and you’re sharing caregiving responsibilities, coordinate your schedules accordingly.
- And unfortunately, this means that you have lessened your chances of meeting new people and making new friends.
- If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even set up a virtual coffee date.
Now that you have stopped talking about work, start sharing stories. According to a meta-analysis (which combines data from multiple studies), people like people who disclose details about themselves. Another study found that when people answered a series of intimate questions, they https://remotemode.net/ felt closer afterward. Friendship is not built from one interaction; it grows gradually. According to the mere exposure effect, we unconsciously like those we are more exposed to. Scheduling an informal chat is great, but this chat needs to be repeated for a friendship to develop.
He first put together virtual social events, like online happy hours and scavenger hunts, and, starting in late March, added in-person meetups at safe outdoor venues in the Seattle metro area. It is that simple sharing of experiences, sharing of knowledge that happens organically and through osmosis, when we interact with people in the workplace,” she says. Those who work from home have to readjust their schedules and learn new ways to succeed. Meanwhile, managers are faced with the challenge of leading and motivating teams remotely while maintaining the same level of collaboration and quality of work as before. Tell your new work buddies that you’re looking to meet some new people, and plan a small hangout where you each bring one or two friends from outside of work if possible.
