In recent years, remote work has significantly increased in popularity. Driven by various factors—such as the elimination of tiresome commutes; further flexibility when it comes to childcare; and greater job opportunities once geographical location becomes less of an issue—there’s little doubt that most employees will be pleased with the shift towards remote working.
On the flipside, however, some people, particularly younger employees, are concerned about the impact of remote working on their social skills.
The shift to remote work has had a profoundly positive impact on people’s mental health, for the reasons already mentioned—and also because working from home can create an environment that’s conducive to well-being and productivity. However, not every change has been positive, with remote work contributing to increased feelings of isolation, blurred work-life boundaries, and heightened stress levels, due to the challenges of managing professional and personal responsibilities within the same physical space.
Forging relationships through a screen can often lead to a sense of disconnection, as well as hindering the development of strong social bonds. According to a recent study, Gen Zs and Millennials feel lonelier when working remotely, compared to their older colleagues. 81% of 18—34-year-olds admitted to experiencing increased isolation when they didn’t spend any time in the office, and 67% found it harder to make friends with their colleagues after transitioning to remote work.
Gen Zs face a unique challenge when it comes to their socialisation, as their entire career history may have been exclusively remote. For them, the absence of ‘office banter’ and watercooler chats might be especially profound, and even outweigh the benefits of homeworking arrangements. Without things like childcare commitments, which are made easier with remote working, the thought of staring at the same four walls during their 9-5 and beyond might seem somewhat claustrophobic.
This fear of missing out (FOMO) might also be exacerbated for Gen Z, based on the fact that they’ve already had significant life events disrupted by the pandemic—such as university, their graduation, prom, and the last years of their teenage-hood. In previous decades, the workplace often served as a place for adults to meet new people and make friends; however, with the rise of remote work, people have had to seek alternative ways to foster new connections—such as through hobbies, classes, or online communities.
We’re specialists in recruitment website design; as a company that can, and does, promote remote working, we know how important it is for employees to feel welcomed into a new workplace, and how jarring the onboarding process can feel as remote working increases in popularity. Recruiters play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging in younger workers and new recruits. It’s still possible to create a friendly and fun working environment, even in a remote role.
Recruiters can prioritise creating a strong virtual onboarding process that focuses on introductions, mentorship opportunities, and ensuring that individual candidates feel like part of the team. It’s important to have regular team-building activities, even on a virtual basis, such as online games or virtual coffee breaks; these can help foster connections amongst remote team members. Encouraging informal communication channels, such as dedicated chat platforms for non-work-related conversations, can replicate the watercooler aspect and help colleagues find things they have in common outside of work.
While remote work provides numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge the potential impact it can have on social skills. Recruiters need to keep in mind the possible isolation and FOMO that younger workers may experience, and make efforts to combat it with virtual events, activities, and opportunities. By implementing these strategies, recruiters can create a more inclusive remote working environment. This will also future-proof opportunities for younger candidates, as a lack of social skills may also impact them in the future, in terms of their career progression.
Janet Candido, founder and principal of the Candido Consulting Group, agrees. She says this, ‘Although there are many benefits to remote working arrangements, such as a reduced commute and improved work-life balance, younger employees who work remotely aren’t practising their soft skills and a lack of social interaction may negatively impact their professional lives in the long run. Many young employees haven’t experienced a real office environment, where spontaneous discussions often come up without scheduled virtual meetings. If these workers don’t have the ability to cultivate their soft skills, they won’t be as effective in their roles or move forward in their careers.’
As the UK workplace and, indeed, the nature of work continues to evolve, it’s essential to strike a balance between the flexibility of remote work and the need for social connection, to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of all employees.
Contact Fast Recruitment Websites on 01302 288591 if you’d like to discuss an upgrade of your recruitment website’s design and functionality.
