Many employers worry remote workers feel disconnected. A new study found they reported higher well-being and were no more likely to feel isolated than their
Yeah it’s interesting to think about. I’ve been 100% remote for more than SIX YEARS now. Since the first days of COVID. And I’m so deep into it that I’m suffering the ill effects of remote: lack of social interaction with coworkers. Feeling shut up at home all the time. Having to work with people in crazy times zones because remote means you work with whoever, wherever. Zoom fatigue. Lack of separation between work and home life. There are definitely downsides. And some of them are pretty serious. The isolation has really eaten at me, especially.
I would like to have the option to assemble at an office when we want to, but our company embraced remote so completely that they let a bunch of leases expire and closed whole regional offices. Saved a ton of cash. But it does mean that I never see even my coworkers who are in the same metro area. And that’s a bit of a bummer.
To some extent, work has always been a way to make friends, and that’s also completely off the table now. There just aren’t those spare moments at the water cooler or drinks after work to be the basis of that. I’m older so this is hardly a dealbreaker for me but if I think back to my younger years where I was still building myself and my life, it would be a serious deficiency.
Copy: »Based on two decades of experience: As a general rule, there should be regular in-person team events (around two a year and just for fun). In addition, there should be joint training sessions (also around two a year). … Cooking together is brilliant: just two days ago we held our summer strategy meeting at a cookery school, where we cooked and enjoyed a three-course meal together. Basically, anything that encourages plenty of interaction and offers a completely different setting to the usual one is ideal.« We (the company) pay everything. It’s a »regular« workday.
Yeah it’s interesting to think about. I’ve been 100% remote for more than SIX YEARS now. Since the first days of COVID. And I’m so deep into it that I’m suffering the ill effects of remote: lack of social interaction with coworkers. Feeling shut up at home all the time. Having to work with people in crazy times zones because remote means you work with whoever, wherever. Zoom fatigue. Lack of separation between work and home life. There are definitely downsides. And some of them are pretty serious. The isolation has really eaten at me, especially.
But would I go back to full time? Heck no.
True, similar here. I go to coworking space to eat lunch in the commom area and talk to people.
I’ve been working remotely for over 20 years. One of my subsidiaries is entirely decentralised and remote. I can’t imagine doing anything else now.
I would like to have the option to assemble at an office when we want to, but our company embraced remote so completely that they let a bunch of leases expire and closed whole regional offices. Saved a ton of cash. But it does mean that I never see even my coworkers who are in the same metro area. And that’s a bit of a bummer.
To some extent, work has always been a way to make friends, and that’s also completely off the table now. There just aren’t those spare moments at the water cooler or drinks after work to be the basis of that. I’m older so this is hardly a dealbreaker for me but if I think back to my younger years where I was still building myself and my life, it would be a serious deficiency.
We meet up regularly. The whole team, too. It’s expensive, but priceless.
How often do you do it? What does it look like (Lunch - weeklong visit?)? And who pays for it?
If you don’t mind my asking. I don’t meet many people with 20YOE doing this :)
Copy: »Based on two decades of experience: As a general rule, there should be regular in-person team events (around two a year and just for fun). In addition, there should be joint training sessions (also around two a year). … Cooking together is brilliant: just two days ago we held our summer strategy meeting at a cookery school, where we cooked and enjoyed a three-course meal together. Basically, anything that encourages plenty of interaction and offers a completely different setting to the usual one is ideal.« We (the company) pay everything. It’s a »regular« workday.