Remote work has become a popular way of working, especially with the onset of the pandemic. While it offers many benefits, including flexibility, increased autonomy, and reduced burnout, one of the challenges of remote work is the potential for isolation. Making friends in a remote work environment can be difficult, especially for introverts or those who are starting a new job.
However, there are ways to make meaningful connections and build relationships, both online and in real life. In this article, we’ll explore the main areas for making friends when you work from home, including developing professional relationships , using social networks, getting a dog, and being active in real life. We’ll also provide practical steps to help you make friends and combat isolation.
Where to Find New Friends When Working From Home
Working from home can be isolating, but finding new friends can help alleviate this feeling. In this section, we’ll explore different options for finding new friends, like stepping out of the home office to work in coffee shops or joining virtual events and taking up new hobbies. Let’s dive into the ways you can find new friends when working from home.
Invite Coworkers to Virtual Coffee Dates and Happy Hour Events
Working from home can make it challenging to build and maintain work relationships. One way to overcome this challenge is by inviting your work friends to virtual coffee dates and happy hour events. These events can be a great way to catch up and build connections with coworkers outside of work hours.
Utilizing video call platforms such as Zoom or Skype, you can create an atmosphere similar to an after-work event without leaving your home office. Virtual coffee dates and happy hours allow you to create a sense of community and improve your work relationships. Plus, they can be a fun way to break up the monotony of the workweek.
Get Involved in Slack Channel and LinkedIn Discussions
Staying active in Slack channels and LinkedIn discussions is a great way to make new connections when you work from home. Slack and LinkedIn are online communities where you can engage in discussions related to your industry or interests. You can ask questions, share your opinions, and even collaborate with others. These online communities can provide a space to meet new people and build relationships.
Take Advantage of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and MeetUp are excellent tools for making new friends when you work from home. Many social media apps have features that allow you to connect with others who share similar interests or work in the same industry.
- Instagram and Twitter have hashtags and accounts dedicated to specific industries or hobbies.
- MeetUp is another platform that enables you to join groups based on your interests and attend virtual or in-person events.
- Alumni channels are also a great way to reconnect with old classmates and make new connections.
By taking advantage of social media platforms, you can expand your network, make new friends, and combat the isolation that can come with remote work.
Use Digital Nomad Communities to Make New Friends
If you travel frequently for work, utilizing digital nomad communities can be an excellent way to make new friends. These communities are filled with people who understand the challenges of working remotely and traveling for work. They provide a space where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and even collaborate on projects.
Platforms like NomadList and Remote Year offer opportunities to meet other digital nomads, while websites like Workfrom and Coworker provide resources for finding co-working spaces in different cities.
Try Hybrid Online/Offline Book Clubs
If you’re an avid reader or someone looking to explore new topics and meet new people, joining a hybrid online/offline book club can be an excellent option. With these clubs, you can participate in online discussions and attend in-person meetings.
This hybrid format offers flexibility while still allowing you to connect with others in the real world. Book clubs provide an opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions, explore new perspectives, and meet new friends who share similar interests.
Work From a Local Coffee Shop or Co-Working Space
Working from home can be isolating, but finding a local coffee shop or coworking space to work from can provide an opportunity to meet new people in person. Many coffee shops and coworking spaces offer a vibrant atmosphere that can help you be more productive and inspired.
Better yet, they also provide opportunities to engage with other remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. You can strike up conversations, attend networking events, and even collaborate on projects. By working in a shared workspace, you can break up the monotony of working from home while also building new connections with others.
Pursue New Interests or Hobbies
Pursuing new interests or hobbies is a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle. You can join classes, attend workshops, or even start a new hobby group for the latest trending hobbies.
Pursuing new hobbies can help you meet others who are also passionate about the same things. You can also look for virtual events or communities online to connect with others who share your interests. Pursuing new interests or hobbies can provide a much-needed break from work, while also offering an opportunity to build new connections with others. So, don’t be afraid to try something new and make new friends along the way.
How to Do It: 4 Steps for Making New Friends When Working From Home
Now that we’ve explored the various ways to make new friends when working from home, let’s dive into the actual steps you can take to build meaningful relationships with others. In this section, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies for talking to strangers, making time for socializing, and building lasting friendships.
Step 1: Set Up a Flexible Schedule That Allows for Socializing
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is finding the time to socialize and meet new people. To overcome this, it’s important to set up a flexible schedule that allows for after-work socializing. By blocking off time in your schedule for social activities, you can prioritize your social life and build meaningful relationships with others.
Just by changing your schedule to utilize the co-working spaces we discussed earlier, you’ll put yourself at an advantage for meeting new people. If you’re able, consider starting — and ending— your workday a half hour earlier on Fridays to attend local meetups.
When setting up your schedule, be intentional about creating a healthy work-life balance that allows for socializing and personal growth.
Step 2: Connect With Someone New on a Daily Basis
Connecting with others on a daily basis is crucial for maintaining your well-being when working from home. This can be as simple as chatting with your barista, waving to your neighbor, or engaging in conversation with your co-working peers. By making an effort to connect with others, you can boost your mood, reduce stress, and combat feelings of loneliness.
To make this a habit, set a goal to connect with at least one friendly person each day. You can also use social media and messaging apps to stay in touch with friends and family, even if you can’t see them in person. By prioritizing daily connections with others, you can improve your overall well-being and feel more connected to your community.
Step 3: Don’t Be Afraid to Introduce Yourself
This may just be the most important steps in making new friends as a WFH employee or freelancer: You can’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
While it may be uncomfortable at first, striking up a conversation with someone new can lead to valuable connections and friendships. Start with small talk about the weather, a shared interest, or a recent event. You can also use virtual communication tools like video calls or messaging apps to initiate conversations with the strangers sitting next to you at the coffee shop or hanging out at the same community event.
By taking the initiative to introduce yourself, you can expand your network and build relationships with others. Remember, everyone starts as a stranger, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make new connections.
Step 4: Draft 100 words about “Invite Others to Join You at Upcoming Events”
If you’re planning to attend an event or activity, don’t be afraid to invite others — like the person you just introduced yourself to in the last step — to join you. This can be a great way to get to know new people and spend time with friends outside of work.
Reaching out to others and extending an invitation can lead to meaningful connections. Making an effort to include others in your plans is a surefire way to expand your social circle and enjoy spending time with like-minded individuals IRL.
In Summary
Working from home can be a great way to achieve a better work-life balance, but it can also be isolating and lead to burnout. By actively seeking out ways to make new friends and expand your social circle, you can improve your mental health and well-being.
From virtual coffee dates to in-person hobbies, there are many ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships when working from home. Remember, making a best friend may take time, but every conversation and connection is an opportunity to grow your network and improve your social life. By prioritizing socializing and making new friends, you can enjoy the perks of remote work while staying connected and fulfilled.