Ever feel lonely at work? I am remote and live alone, but I went to an in-person company event a few months back and felt so alone in a room full of people. If you feel lonely -- whether at home or remote -- what do you do that helps you feel less alone?
I am an introvert by nature and still end up feeling lonely working remote. However, when I am in office I end up feeling mentally drained so it’s really a lose lose situation in my eyes. I do find forcing myself to take walks during the lunch hour (even cal a friend and family member) helps a ton especially during days that are work heavy. Group workout classes is another great idea that makes me feel less alone.
Like25I think COVID changed things, I have had this feeling at events. One thing that has helped me feel less alone is talking in the work social chat channels, going on walks outside. My friends and I have started a bi daily gaming night where we just play games online and it helps.
Like8I am fully remote and had to build relationships online. Coffee chats with peers work well - standing once a month 15-30 min meetings. Cross-collaboration with other departments to network helps. If your company has any committees, joining those is a nice way to get connected. Feel free to message me too :)
Like10I go out every day. Either to get a coffee or go out to dinner or a bar alone if I don’t already have a social engagement planned. Even just being around other people at those kinds of places, interacting with staff, etc. gets me a bit of interaction that the introvert in me can handle. I also got a dog and now I go on walks twice a day and sometimes encounter people who wouldn’t otherwise talk to me but now have to because they want to pet my dog.
Like12Working out every morning before work helps me a lot. It’s honestly crazy how being active before you start your day will affect your mood. For me it’s increased dopamine levels, increased energy levels, and less stress
Like14I’m shy in large groups, but I try and make it my goal when I go to work events to get up the courage to talk to one stranger. I usually start with being vulnerable and admitting that I don’t know anyone. People are generally very kind to me after that!!
Like4I was feeling this way so I switched jobs and went hybrid. I have a commute now, but I’m genuinely so much happier with life
Like4I am in the same setup, and I am a natural introvert as well, so I don't always seek out people. For me, I have found that leaning into my hobbies really helps. You tend to find people who think similarly. Become a regular somewhere where people who enjoy that hobby hang out. For instance, I go to a Board Game cafe regularly , and the staff has gotten to know me. So when a new group needs an extra player, they refer me. It's a great way to meet people, even if we only hang out once.
Like4Fishbowl helps. Having plans after work helps. Having that vacation plan in three months’ time also helps.
Like8Me and two other remote workers have a wine night on teams it helps
Like6I got a part-time weekend gig at a college just to have some in person connections. Joined meet up for hikes too. I went on one and it was nice.
Like3What makes you feel the opposite of lonely? If you were feeling alone in a room full of people, was it because you don’t know them very well? If they were people you had known well and liked talking to, would you still feel alone in that room full of people? Whatever makes you feel the opposite of lonely, needs to be incorporated into your daily life. It might have nothing to do with the actual work. Also, within CliftonStrengths community we often talk about how important it is for employee satisfaction/motivation/mental health to have a _friend_ at work… Sending you much love ❤️
Like4I’m an introvert, so I rarely feel lonely at work, but when I do, I’ll turn on some music or use that time to write, set goals or come up with creative ideas. Enjoy your own company!
Like2Pilates twice a week. :-) something that interests you. I felt like I was just at home doing nothing for myself and nothing social (I have like 5 friends - all busy and hardly see each other) and I felt like I was gaining weight from just sitting at home. I've been going since March and I feel like I'm not as lonely / bored anymore!
Like2Have a couple of tequilas at the event should fix that
LikeI have definitely felt this way. It helps to make a couple work friends. I still sometimes feel like an outsider, but it helps.
Like2Ugh I force myself to get out there. Not always the best time
LikeSending virtual hugs to you. I too have found myself lonely. It sucks. It sucked so much I actually turned to apps to find new friends. Bumble is typically used for dating but it has a friend section. Worked wonders for my life and my loneliness is fading away.
Like2I’m the same way - I get lonely working from home but working in the office is just draining so I prefer the former. Going to group fitness classes helps a lot along with going for walks a few times a day.
Like4I got a doggy and walk her at lunchtime-often bump into other dog walkers for a brief chat. I also occasionally go to my local coffee shops for an hour or so with my laptop-surprising how many other people are in there doing the same thing. Change of scenery does you good. And yes group fitness class in the evenings
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