How to Beat Loneliness: Top 5 Tips For Remote Workers

We all want to work remotely, with the flexibility of having our schedule and work-life balance.

Especially for introverts, heavy, working comfortably from home, without interacting with people.

But is it a heaven or something else? According to a Gallup report, 1 in 5 remote employees feel lonely, which is over 25%. Compared to 16% on-site and 21% hybrid.

Loneliness is a real problem that can affect you both physically and mentally and can have devastating consequences on one’s mortality.

How do you know if you’re struggling with loneliness? If you are, what can you do to solve this problem?

In this article, we’ll discover 5 warning signs of loneliness, their devastating effects on your overall well-being, and how to deal with it.

5 Signs You Feel Lonely as a Remote Employee

1) Self Isolation.

One of the first alarming signs of loneliness is when you start isolating yourself from social interactions.

Like having a chat with co-workers, family members or people close to you, and keeping all your interactions to a minimum.

Especially when you used to engage in conversations actively, but now keep yourself away and isolated from people.

2) Decrease in quality of work.

Another alarming sign of loneliness is constant burnout and sloppy work. Constantly missing your deadlines and making a lot of mistakes.

These all are signs of feeling loneliness and not feeling enough motivation to give your full concentration and produce quality work.

3) Stop offering input.

Not speaking up or asking for feedback during meetings or team discussions.

Another sign of loneliness is constantly feeling anxious or insecure about sharing your opinion on matters you’re well aware of.

Often don’t even attend team meetings. And keeping your engagement minimum.

4) Avoid personal talk.

Feeling uncomfortable talking about your personal life and keeping your conversations too short is a sign of loneliness.

Like talking about hobbies or other personal interests, This behaviour leads to feeling disconnected or misunderstood, which further weakens your teamwork.

And indicates you’re not interested in building a connection.

5) Fixed mindset.

Finally, you don’t feel optimistic about your future or life in general, you are constantly talking bad or negatively about yourself. This mindset keeps hindering your willingness to change or grow.

This prevents any hope of growth in your personal or professional life and may cost you a lot of opportunities.

5 ways to Beat Loneliness as a Remote Employee:

1) Change environment:

If you feel related to any of these or more, consider working outside, like going to a café or a park, to switch your working environment and feel energized.

It can boost your creativity, reduce feeling isolated or lonely, and it can open doors to unplanned interaction with strangers.

According to research, we feel happier talking to strangers we’ve never talked to before. Which can positively boost your mood.

2) Make plans.

Make plans after work, during your least productive hours, and go out with friends and coworkers to feel more connected.

These interactions offer a sense of belonging and give you a break from a repetitive routine.

Get some fresh air, and experience life in person, you’ll be surprised to find out how much positive effect it can have on your mind and mood.

3) Connect online.

Reach out to coworkers online, have team chats, virtual coffee breaks and other fun activities together.

It can help you build relationships and enhance your sense of teamwork. Interacting with co-workers who also understand what it’s like working remotely.

Can build a sense of belonging and can share personal experiences and valuable advice or suggestions.

Relevant read: How to effectively communicate as a remote team.

4) Pick a hobby.

Picking a hobby can provide you with a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. It can ease your tension and help you feel relaxed.

These hobbies are an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and others who share a similar interest.

5) Socialize with family.

If you live with your family or a family member, spend some quality time together. Share meals, engage in conversation and strengthen your family bonds.

Make plans with them, and help them with chores or other things, these little efforts can offer you a sense of comfort and ease.

In case they live far away, consider using video calls to often interact with them, spend time and stay connected.

Other considerations.

• Consider hybrid remote work
• Seek a therapist
• Meditate

Conclusion

These are some of the signs that indicate you’re lonely, but by socializing with coworkers or family members, picking a hobby and changing your environment can help you feel relaxed and a little less lonely.

So consider these practices if you feel isolated while working remotely.

Being mindful and having a balance can help you feel more connected and enjoy your work-from-home lifestyle.