When you work remotely, it can be a lonely game — but only if you let it be. While it’s true that you won’t be surrounded by colleagues and employers all day long, you can still get your fill of social activity on a regular basis as a remote worker.
Stay Communicative with your Remote Team
The easiest way to find companionship when you’re working from home is to be proactive about staying communicative with your remote team. Along with keeping colleagues updated on your work procedures and shared tasks, you should also put some effort into participating in the social aspects of the job — such as #watercooler chats, group email chains, and coffee date video calls.
If your company currently doesn’t implement any of these social channels, talk to your employer about it. Need some tips on what exactly you can do to keep your company culture alive and thriving? Check out our tips on team-building exercises for remote companies.
Join a Coworking Space
Coworking spaces are a godsend when it comes to finding community as a remote worker. There are coworking spaces all over the globe and membership to one can range from low to high, depending on what you’re looking for (a private desk, a shared space, kitchen amenities, etc.).
Along with providing a solution to the physical isolation of remote working, coworking spaces can also be a great place to network, make new friends, and get new gigs.
Spend a Few Days Working Outside of Your House
If a coworking space isn’t something that fits your budget right now, not to worry. There are plenty of places where remote workers can get things done without having to pay for the space. From coffee shops and parks to libraries and museums, we’ve compiled a list of public spaces where you can work for free.
In these free, public spaces, you can be just as productive as you are at home without feeling the physical isolation of working in an empty office. For many remote workers, these options can even be better than getting a membership at a coworking space because they provide less social distractions while still offering a social environment.
Schedule Regular Lunches with Friends
Perhaps you don’t need a coworking space membership or to spend your afternoons working on assignments in the local coffee shop. Perhaps all you need, instead, is to schedule regular lunches and coffee dates with friends.
Because you don’t have in-office colleagues to go to lunch with as a remote worker, you want to be sure you’re making up the difference by lunching with friends and family on a regular basis. The plus side of this? You don’t have to talk about work while you enjoy your grub.
Connect with Other Local Remote Workers
If you’re having trouble finding friends to lunch with that aren’t on a regular nine-to-five schedule, connecting with the local remote community can be a huge service to your social life. Other remote workers will have similar flexibility in their schedule and will be great colleagues to network with during your free time.
When you’re looking to get in touch with local remote workers, start first by asking around and joining social media groups to find others who want to connect. Chances are that you’ll find yourself learning more about the remote community, its meetups, and the local remote worker hotspots in no time.
How do you keep yourself from feeling isolated as a remote worker? Share your advice with us on Twitter!
This article was originally published on Remote.com