Human connection in the workplace and the 'new normal'
July 29th, 2021
Ann Collins
I'll never forget that anxious feeling in my stomach when I read the news that we were entering a strict lockdown in France, last March 2020. This would mean no contact with other people, a general ban on travel beyond 1km from the house and an "attestation" to be signed "on my honour" that I was following the rules.
I remember telling my brother on that first day of lockdown that I felt I was imprisoned! I needed to get out!
Let's be honest, I wasn't at all imprisoned: the local food shops were open (this is France, after all!) I could still buy croissants and Comté!! Essentials! And Zoom took care of the rest!
Like many, I had contradictory feelings: I had a strong need to see family and friends and also the need for space and time in the outside world, outside of an apartment, alone! I was yearning to get to the mountains and be in a forest!
Similarly, for those working from home, many reported missing the camaraderie of their colleagues, but equally found having fewer distractions conducive to getting work done, especially the tasks that require quality thinking time.
We know that humans need some level of connection, but as a coach, what I experienced alongside my clients in this time was our need primarily for quality relationships and quality connection as well times where we are "off line".
As we consider going back to the office, whether a hybrid model or not, I find it interesting to see that companies are thinking beyond the question of hybrid or not. Instead considering how they can best support their employees to stay connected.
What quality of connection is required for a particular task?
What mode of communication is going to work best for this situation?
I find this exciting as it is opening up opportunities for us to redesign the way we work: allowing people quality connections with each other.
Intentionally choosing methods of communication that suit the task or a team, whilst allowing people time and space to work uninterrupted on tasks that require some measure of "isolation" or at least time to think!
Once again we come back to the buzzword balance. We want human connection, but it needs to be balanced and for each of us, that might look very different....