Many of us now work from home — or at least in a hybrid setting. Of course, there are many advantages to this way of working. But what if you’re yearning human connection? What if you miss grabbing coffee with colleagues? Or chatting through a work problem with someone in the office? Studies have shown that people are generally more productive when they’re working with others in pursuit of a common goal. We need human connection. So, here are my 6 tips for establishing it when work from home is lonely.

This post is all about 6 tips for staying connected when work from home is lonely

1. Join a co-working space

A couple of years ago, I hit a wall. Like many people I was working mostly at home. It was getting to the point where I felt so lonely by lunchtime every day. I couldn’t focus and I felt like I was on a professional island.

So, I started to search for affordable co-working spaces in the Bay Area. I eventually came across a place called Shack 15 in San Francisco. It’s a membership based co-working space with lots of social events and amenities on site.

After looking around the space, I decided the $149.00 monthly fee was definitely worth it. Since joining, I’ve not only made a bunch of new professional connections and established a healthier in person work routine, but I’ve signed with a podcast network and launched my own weekly podcast through those connections.

Moral of the story? NOTHING beats in person interactions when it comes to advancing your career and getting out an unhealthy mental work space.

2. Do in person meetings (whenever possible)

While it can get really comfortable working from home, finding a reason to leave the house can be uplifting and break the flow of the day in a good way.

My husband does a great job with tip. Once a week, he tries to schedule all his in person meetings in one day.

The rest of the week, he focuses on doing really focused work at home. Then, on Thursdays, he’s out the house most of the day seeing clients in person. What he establishes in those in person meetings versus on Zoom is incomparable. And he comes home feeling refreshed.

3. Make before and after work plans

People overthink plans before and after work. They think it needs to be something extravagant or super exciting to justify it!

But ultimately, don’t focus on creating plans that are complicated. Remember, it’s about human interaction — not ticking an activity off your bucket list or making a new friend for life.

I suggest, at a bare minimum, forming a morning routine. For me, I make sure to take a walk in the morning. Sometimes I grab a coffee or breakfast to go. Those few minutes of buying an item to drink or eat really lifts my mood: I have to talk to the barista and we exchange a few words. Make sure to ask: Morning, how are you? You’ll be surprised how much it improves your mood and theirs.

Another simple idea is taking a work out class before or after work. Just being around other people will get you out your own head. If you want to take it one step further, try joining a free walking or running club.

4. Try working in a coffee shop

It’s not for everybody, but try working in a nearby cafe to your home.

It doesn’t have to be an all day affair, but hearing people talk, even for an hour, and having to interact with a barista can be a mood lifter.

So, next time you need a coffee, why not head out with your laptop and get a few emails done in the process?

5. Do four hours of deep work

I find that work from home encourages extra long work hours. There’s less of a cut off time.

If you find yourself dragging out emails or doing more than you really need to do, set a timer for four hours.

Doing this encourages “deep work.” In other words, focused work time within a limited time frame. When you set that timer, it forces you into getting things done in an appropriate amount of time, as opposed to dragging tasks out all day.

6. Consider a career change

If you’re really struggling with a lack of in person work with your job, why not consider finding a different role?

In this post pandemic world, it’s almost taboo to admit that you’re mentally struggling with remote work. People often say, why? It’s flexible. It’s easier. You save money on the commute.

But at the end of the day, many of us flourish — and businesses flourish — when there’s an in person element. You don’t necessarily have to go all or nothing. Many jobs are now hybrid these days and will provide you with valuable in person connection.

This post was all about 6 tips for staying connected when work from home is lonely

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