Working remotely has AWESOME benefits like reduced commute time that allows you to hit the gym, spend time with family or hit the snooze button a second time.

In a survey done by Gitlab, 37% of respondents have optimized their lives to spend more time with their family or community. 30% are prioritizing the outdoors or exercise and health. And 26% are streamlining their schedules to reclaim more time in their days. (Git Lab)

While 38% of remote workers admit to regularly working from bed (Motley Fool), working remotely does not always mean working from home. One of the downsides to working from home completely, is social isolation which can manifest in depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation. Oftentimes these symptoms go unnoticed by employers because they see the “screen you” not the real you and are ignored by you because you don’t want to go back to an office.

It’s important for everyone who works from home to consciously find a way to connect with others at least a few times a week in a real way. Here are a few ideas to reduce the isolation of working from home:

• Schedule a walk with a neighbor.

• Go to your favorite coffee shop once a week for a few hours to work from there

• Invite a friend over to work from your home with you. Take turns.

• Search for a coworking space near you (WorkAway in North Springfield, Car workplaces, or ALX in Old Town).

• Set up a weekly lunch with some other work from home colleagues.

Work remotely has incredible benefits, just remember that COMMUNITY (our word for 2023) is incredibly important to your health and productivity.