Episode: 527

Episode Title: Is Remote Work To Blame? 

Is remote work the reason that so many people lack a human connection in the workplace today? Actually, no. Let’s talk about it, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 527 show:

You’re now in The Perna Syndicate—welcome! A recent study by BetterUp Labs uncovered the burning need people are feeling for meaningful human connections at work. Unfortunately, many employees just aren’t finding it. 

Of course, it’s easy to blame the loneliness that people are experiencing on remote work. But the overnight switch to Zoom calls and working from home really just accelerated what was already happening everywhere. 

Though remote work seems like the obvious culprit, the study indicates that human connection in the workplace is not dependent on being in close physical proximity with others in the office. In fact, people who returned to the office full time report lower levels of satisfaction with their work relationships than those in remote and hybrid environments. 

Remote work does present hurdles to the organic water-cooler conversations we all took for granted back in the day. But these challenges can be overcome when we as individuals choose to be deliberate about connecting with others.  

The bottom line is that remote work is not to blame for the fragmented nature of employee friendships today. So what is? It can be summed up in one word: effort. 

On the next episode of The Perna Syndicate, we’ll talk about the difference that effort can make to the quality of your relationships in the workplace. Turns out, everyone has to do their part. Until then, take care!