Remote working has many benefits but also potential problems since, by its very nature, it precludes in-person interaction.
“The world is changing very fast and wholesale remote working is still very nascent,” says Adrian McGennis, chairman of Sigmar Requirement. “Remote working makes great sense for parents with small children – that kind of flexibility is a boon to parents. But companies can see loneliness as an unexpected outcome, especially if people live alone.
“It boils down to the water-cooler moments. How much do we need them to stay connected? When remote first took off, it was like an auction, where tech companies and multinationals were fighting with each other to see who could offer the most remote time. But now employers are looking at the long-term social impacts. Loneliness is just one potential issue facing employees who are only using screen time to connect.”
Companies that were set up to be remote understand the need to tackle potential loneliness head on. For example, Feenix Group is a 100 per cent remote company with employees across Ireland, the UK and the United States.
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Trev Keane, managing director of Feenix Group says it has always been a remote working business and, because of that, has put measures in place to make people feel more connected.
“We do weekly quizzes, town halls, and one-on-one check-ins with staff; we encourage doing calls with prospects and clients in twos so no one is working in isolation. We also like to see employees pick up the phone and check in on each other. While not without challenges, it has worked well for us as a team,” says Keane.
Michael Djan, managing director of the group’s Feenix Talent, echoes Keane’s values: “While we are fully remote, there is a place for a hybrid working model. Bringing people together regularly is essential for ideation and relationship building. It doesn’t necessarily mean having to invest in an office space; there are a lot of flexible working locations across the globe.
“The workplace has also evolved too. As has been the case for a long time, jobs and, indeed, careers are not for life. People move more frequently as they seek new growth opportunities and prioritise personal life over work life.”
Mariana de la Roche Wills of de la Roche W Consulting, has taken to remote working and sees it as a game changer for her new independent consulting work.
“I enjoy organising my own time and have always disliked being tied to a desk when I’m not actively engaged in work,” she says. “With remote work, I can shift my focus when needed, finding something productive to do instead of procrastinating, and then return to tasks when I’m ready to focus again. It’s made me far more efficient and intentional with my time.”
And although de la Roche Wills has never personally felt lonely working remotely, she recommends adopting a dog.
“Not only do pets provide great companionship but they also force you to step away from the computer and go for walks. It’s a great way to break up the day and get some fresh air,” she says.
This remote enthusiasm is shared by Jennifer Bourke, marketing and community lead at NuNet, a fully remote and decentralised project.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with talented professionals from all corners of the globe,” says Bourke. “Remote work has dissolved geographical boundaries, allowing us to contribute to innovative projects that push the boundaries of technology.
“However, it’s not all smooth sailing. There have been moments when the lack of in-person interaction has left me feeling a bit disconnected. Missing out on ‘the craic’ with colleagues and the energy that comes from being around colleagues can make the work day feel isolating – especially when living alone.
“I’ve adopted several strategies to combat loneliness and stay connected while working remotely. Establishing a daily routine has been crucial – it creates a sense of normalcy and helps delineate work time from personal time. Ensuring I have human interaction throughout the day by going to the gym or attending meet-ups has also been beneficial,” she says.
“As we navigate this new landscape, it’s important to remember that human connection remains at the heart of our professional lives, regardless of where we work.”