Earlier this year I wrote a blog about the importance of human connections and how, sadly, we had gotten away from them in our digitally connected world.
“You can sit at your computer (or on your phone),” I wrote, “and conduct your business, order lunch, buy groceries, watch a movie, discuss the news, shop for clothes, and share personal experiences and updates and never have to look another person in the eyes.”
Little did I realize that just two months later we would all be doing just that. Not by choice, but by mandate in the interest of keeping ourselves and each other safe and healthy. I get it.
Now, nearly 10 weeks into the work-at-home scenario, many who had previously fantasized about not having to drive to the office or being able to work in their sweats are dreaming of a time when they can be in the presence of their business colleagues. Can we all agree that video conferencing just doesn’t cut it?
In a recent New York Times article, “Sorry, but Working from Home Is Overrated,” the author concludes that while working from home is a good option for some (and for all during this pandemic) “most people should work in an office, or near other people, and avoid solitary work-from-home arrangements whenever possible.”
Why? Because research shows that although remote workers are more productive, what they gain in productivity “they often miss in harder-to-measure benefits like creativity and innovative thinking.” When people are able to work together in the same room, they solve problems quicker. Impromptu conversations at the coffee station or in the halls can stimulate new ideas and approaches.
Face-to-face, eyeball-to-eyeball conversations without the filter of a screen help promote empathy, collaboration, and relationships. Facial expressions, body language and sharing personal stories can shape the dialogue in a way that our structured and staged video calls cannot. Let’s face it, on video calls we all are wearing our “I’m-paying-serious-attention-face.” We’re on the screen for all to see.
So, here’s an idea. Let’s not make working remotely the “new normal” as some companies are suggesting. When it’s safe to go back to the office, let’s give people the option to balance their work week between remote and in-office days. It will still reduce commute time and allow those highly-productive sweatpants days. And it will also enable the innovation, collaboration and relationships that can only come from human connections.
And what could be better than that?
Till next time, keep it real.
Karen
