Do you experience isolation at work? If so, you’re not the only one.
In a recent TopResume poll, the majority of career-driven professionals indicated they primarily identify as “introverts” in the workplace. Furthermore, they hardly interact with their coworkers outside of the workplace. From Generation Z to the Silent Generation (those born before 1946), these findings applied to all five generations of workers.
Since coworkers now frequently contact virtually and at a distance, the rise of hybrid and remote work has led to feelings of isolation. Furthermore, building and sustaining relationships is crucial even though you don’t have to be best friends with everyone you work with. “A risk that can stunt or stall [your] professional advancement” is how career expert for TopResume and Fast Company contributor, Amanda Augustine describes being too distant from people.
Following Augustine’s advice, here are five strategies to get over that loneliness and restart your career:
- Network outside of the workplace
Seize the chance to mingle when the opportunity presents itself. According to her, “neither does it mean creating relationships or having to be best friends with colleagues.”Going out for coffee or having lunch together with your coworkers is an excellent way to connect with them off the job.
Get in touch with coworkers to invite them to your upcoming birthday celebration or set up playdates for your kids if they live close by.
- Acquaint yourself with co-workers
Secondly, whether you work from home or are a regular in-office employee, spend some time getting to know your coworkers. This outreach is crucial particularly if you operate remotely.
In meetings, Augustine proposes incorporating personal time. To further get to know your colleague, you could schedule a 20-minute meeting and request an additional 10 minutes. Or arrange “virtual coffee chats” with individuals you wish to learn more about. Augustine reports, “I work from Long Island, and every month, between 8:15 and 8:45, I have a conversation with a colleague in Atlanta. We don’t discuss work,” she says.
“We have a wonderful relationship now that we talk about our families and lifestyles. I even get to collaborate with her on brand-new projects now!”
Attending happy hours, Christmas parties and summer fun days is another opportunity to get to know your coworkers. Augustine says, “You don’t have to remain for the entire event or speak to everyone, but you should show up there. You should adopt the attitude, “This is a great opportunity to get to know my associates better,” rather than, “Do I really have to go to this event?”
- Establish connections
Building stronger bonds with the individuals you work with is a third strategy for overcoming loneliness.
Let’s say you work in a department that collaborates closely with another team. Discover more about that group. Determine which individuals would make good mates. These relationships will increase your visibility and present you with fresh career opportunities.
Speak with possible mentors within your office. Augustine suggests that if you respect a coworker who is more senior than you, “ask for a meeting and say ‘I really admire your work, can we meet so I can gain some of your insights?'” Moving in this direction may seem positive, but as Augustine states, “Who wouldn’t want to help you when you show that you appreciate what you can learn from them?”
- Look beyond your current workplace
Augustine also advises searching for networking opportunities outside of your present place of employment. Attend industry conventions and workshops to network with like-minded individuals, she advises.
You may discover beneficial connections in your local community. Augustine asserts, “There’s nothing better than bonding over a shared interest or hobby.” “For instance, volunteering at a pet shelter or taking part in an intramural soccer league could introduce you to an important contact.”
Your career trajectory may benefit greatly from the connections you make outside of your current employer. Your chances of getting hired at a new company are multiplied tenfold if you include a recommendation from someone who works there in your application.
- Maintain a strong presence
Make sure you are present at all times during meetings and interactions, whether they be in person or virtually. Give the speaker your undivided attention while participating in active listening.
People tune out of virtual meetings much too often. They switch off their video and start multitasking. Ninety-two percent of respondents acknowledge multitasking during meetings, and 41 percent say they multitask “often” or “all the time.” Of those in meetings, 49% acknowledge that they are engaging in non-work related activities.
When you’re not mentally or physically present, how can you get to know people? “One of the best ways to overcome isolation is to stay connected to meeting conversations,” suggests Augustine. You will feel less alone if you make sure you have something to say in these discussions.
(Tashia Bernardus)