ROCK thru remote working with more in-person Connections
ABUNDANT LIVING SERIES
by Lee Havenga | May 2, 2024
I’m part of the 22 million-strong remote workforce, and my days often string together within the familiar walls of my home, hopping from bedroom to kitchen to office with brief stops in different bathrooms just to mix things up a bit. Working at home has its perks; I appreciate the efficiency, lack of commute, and freedom to focus without distractions that often come with office life.
Yet, much of my workday is 2-D world of digital collaboration via screens and virtual interactions. It’s efficient, yes, and productive, but sometimes it lacks the depth and richness of human Connection that we literally need as hard-wired social beings. Isolation can sneak up on those of us who spend the majority of our time at home, including stay-at-home parents and retirees. That’s why when I gather in person with colleagues, it’s nothing short of magical. The laughter is louder, the moments more meaningful, and creative problem-solving and brainstorming flow.
Just last night, I returned from one such gathering, and the experience was invigorating. The warmth of hugs, the subtleties of body language, and the shared meals created an atmosphere of camaraderie and closeness that’s impossible to replicate virtually. There were even moments of vulnerability, tears, and shared joys that reminded me of the power of in-person interactions.
In this article in the Abundant Living series, we’ll delve into seven intentional ways to incorporate the ROCK thru principle of Connection, so you too can be inspired by in-person interactions, even when you work remotely.
Ever felt that sudden surge of happiness when you connect with someone? That’s your soul saying, ‘More of this, please!’
CONNECTION
Apply it
1. Professional Engagement
Engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds by attending industry conferences, workshops, or networking events related to your field of work, as suggested in “The Third Wave” by Steve Case. These interactions can spark new ideas and perspectives.
2. Collaborative Workspace
Explore collaborative or shared workspaces to immerse yourself in in-person connections, fostering creativity and collaboration beyond your immediate team.
3. Social Breaks
Prioritize time outside your home before starting work and during breaks. Take a walk, greet neighbors, and engage in brief conversations to refresh your mind and boost social interactions.
4. Local Community
Draw inspiration and creative insights by hosting or participating in local meetups, social gatherings, or hobby groups in your community, as recommended in “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker. Connecting with like-minded individuals outside of work can provide fresh perspectives.
5. Collective Community Service
Elevate your sense of purpose and overall well-being by coordinating volunteer activities with your remote working team, inspired by the 7th principle of Social Investment in “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. Everyone could volunteer at their local soup kitchen on the same afternoon, fostering a deeper connection and making a positive impact together. Contributing to meaningful causes alongside like-minded colleagues can amplify your happiness and sense of fulfillment.
6. Cultural Exploration
If you can work anywhere in the world, broaden your horizons, and gain fresh perspectives by traveling to new places and immersing yourself in different cultures, as suggested in “The Four-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss. Experiencing diverse environments and lifestyles can inspire new ideas and approaches to your work.
7. Dynamic Work Space
Change up your work environment by occasionally working from a coffee shop. Consider using extended laptop monitors for increased productivity and comfort. Challenge yourself to try different coffee shops and explore new work environments for added variety.
For those of us who spend most of our days at home, it’s easy to get into the habit of not making human Connections. Try out these seven strategies to break the routine, nurture relationships, and rediscover the joy of personal interactions. Let’s ROCK thru the habit of being home all day and embrace the richness of human connections! XO ~ Lee
Sources:
Punjwani, Mehdi. Remote Work Statistics and Trends in 2024. USA Today, April 3, 2024
Case, Steve. The Third Wave: An Entrepreneur’s Vision of the Future. Paperback edition, Simon & Schuster, 2016.
Parker, Priya. The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Riverhead Books, 2018.
Achor, Shawn. The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life. Crown Business/Random House. 2010.
Ferriss, Timothy. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. Crown Publishing Group, 2007.
Get more like this, right to your inbox
Want to inspire a friend?
Forward this on so they can
ROCK thru too!
