![]() Happy hours, lunches, coffee chats – all of these technically can be achieved virtually. ![]() ![]() A one-hour, in-person meeting is often more valuable than four hours of zoom calls. Physical proximity lends itself to easier and quicker alignment than communicating over email, phone, and videoconferencing. While many utilized virtual whiteboards and screen sharing, research shows that person-to-person business meetings are more likely to yield better outcomes, including timely decision making and more complex strategic thinking. Listening to a podcast, online shopping, or catching up with friends and family was precious personal time that many did not reschedule when commutes were no longer necessary.Ĭreativity and collaborative outcomes also were challenged during the pandemic. The initial thrill of leaving behind trains, planes, and automobiles was soon replaced by the realization that commuting provided much needed time to decompress from the workday. As a result, many individuals reported feeling burnt out during the pandemic.Ī survey conducted by Indeed, the online job search site, found two thirds of those surveyed felt burnout increased during the pandemic. Working smarter, not harderĮarly in the pandemic, organizations reported unprecedented levels of productivity.īut further analysis found much of this increase was merely a result of workdays starting earlier than normal and ending later than usual. When we regain the power to convey messages non-verbally, we feel more seen, heard, and understood. When our work went virtual, video conferencing capabilities allowed virtual face-to-face meetings, but we lost that in-person smile or nod.Īfter two years of pandemic-induced isolation, some of us are finding that presenting to a live audience, collaborating with others in the room, and experiencing those non-verbal cues elevates our confidence and happiness, even well after the workday has ended. Non-verbal body motion and facial expressions play a large role in how we see ourselves, personally and professionally. These are the kinds of indicators we look for when presenting or talking during a meeting to get a sense of validation and recognition. The return of non-verbal cues and body languageĪ head nod, another person’s smile, a high-five, or two thumbs-up. Let’s explore some of those benefits now. There could still be joy in an office environment – benefits we may be more aware of after trying the “new normal” for a few years. ![]() These factors, overlaid with the difficulty of separating work and home, have many questioning the long-term viability of remote work.Ĭould it be, that we were actually happier going to the office? There were challenges of course – the mute button, frozen wi-fi, a loud pet, or a spouse or child videobombing across your background. And without a commute, people working from home could repurpose those hours of drive time into something more productive or enjoyable. ![]() One could stuff a load of laundry into the dryer or run to the store in between Zoom meetings. Parents and other work-life integration experts relished the benefits of a more flexible lifestyle. For many, working from home was an unexpected gift during the pandemic, albeit one that came alongside a global challenge and tragedy. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |