Remote or In-Person: You Need Water Cooler Moments

Source: Luis Villasmil / Unsplash

I’m not about to start a LinkedIn fight about whether or not remote or in-person work is better. They both have advantages and drawbacks, and much comes down to the personal needs of individual employees.

Instead, this post is about making remote and in-person work more social. Studies show that working from home can increase loneliness and exacerbate family-related stress. Whether you commute into the city or down your basement stairs, connecting with nonfamily members can boost your mental health and prevent burnout.

How can you seek out and enjoy more water cooler moments throughout your day, regardless of where your office is located?

1. Set a date

Whether you’re feeling trapped in your home office or your not-at-home office, it’s important to step away from that office and socialize. This break time is important to decompress, de-stress, process work and home stressors with someone else, and recenter yourself.

But first things first. To combat loneliness, you’ll need a place and a partner. Scroll through your recent texts to find someone you could grab a coffee with and then make it a date.

Don’t wait for these workday social engagements to happen organically. Find a friend, agree on a time and place, and follow through on your plans.

Frequent work breaks can help increase physical and mental health and improve sleep.

2. Spend time at the water cooler or create your own

If you’re back at the office and working with others, there’s probably some sort of water cooler or employee meeting area. Maybe it’s the kitchen or the coffee maker. Maybe it’s a dedicated break room. No matter where it is, invest more of your break time in this break area to optimize your chances of casual connection with others.

I vividly remember feeling the impulse to work through my breaks at my first teaching job. But I forced myself into the teachers’ lounge where I would often end up watching cat videos with colleagues or telling stories and laughing with my fellow teachers.

If you work from home, you might have to create your own water cooler. Think about where you might go to be around other people. Maybe a local cafe or diner. You may even want to consider working from a local remote work office one day a week to be around other people throughout your workday.

Sometimes there’s real value in being alone during your work downtime to clear your head and de-stress, but too much alone time can lead to loneliness and worse mental health. If you think some socialization might be the boost you need, get out there and find your water cooler.

3. Get out of the office

Whether you’re meeting up with a friend or not, getting out of the office is important for your mental health. Taking even brief rest breaks can improve mental and physical health. You get a break from your computer screen, which reduces headaches and stress. Standing up and walking away from your computer is also good for your posture and reduces pain related to constant sitting.

Aim to get up and out of your office at least five times a day. These could be quick breaks where you walk around your yard or longer breaks where you grab a coffee with a friend. Shorter, frequent breaks have been shown to reduce mental and physical stresses on your body.

4. Find your work spouse

Having someone to confide in who understands the nuances of your work politics can be a great way to stave off loneliness and reduce work-related stress.

So find someone at work you truly trust. Nurture the relationship by meeting with them frequently. Eventually, they can be your point person to run ideas by or ask for advice.

Finding your “work spouse” can also be a great way to reduce burnout. If you find the right one, you’ll look forward to starting your workday even when the going gets rough.

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Having a friend at work can even increase job satisfaction and creativity and decrease turnover.

5. Open your circle

Once you find your work bestie, it may be time to open up your circle. Mix and mingle with other colleagues. Set up remote hangouts or grab a coffee with some co-workers. You’re not aiming to replace your best friend from elementary school; you’re just trying to foster your social connections.

Stronger work bonds make getting the job done more fun. It’s also important to feel less alone while doing so.

6. Start a standing meeting

I love the idea of a standing meeting. Choose a weekly day, time, and location and invite colleagues or acquaintances to meet there regularly. Choose a picnic table outside or a favorite cafe. Maybe you start a knitting circle or book club or meet at the local gym.

The benefits of a standing meeting are that you only have to schedule it once and that it becomes a ritual that nurtures and grows relationships.

Make your own water cooler

I won't tell you that working from home or in the office is better. Only you know what works for you and your family. I hope you remember the importance of breaks and social connections throughout your work week.

Productivity is great. But if we’re lonely, depressed, and in pain, productivity is the least of our worries.

Find your water cooler. Or make your own. A little chit-chat goes a long way.