April 25, 2024
As a natural extrovert who spent the majority of my career in bustling office environments, the allure of working from the comfort of home always tugged at me. The thought of escaping the dreary morning commutes and the confines of uncomfortable dress pants in exchange for cozy slippers and homemade meals was a dream I held close.
In March of 2020, after advocating tirelessly for remote work, I finally got my wish. Mandated to work remotely for two weeks, I was overjoyed—little did I know this temporary change would become a permanent arrangement. Embracing the freedom and flexibility of remote work, I savoured every moment, relishing the absence of office distractions and traffic jams.
"Remote work had weakened my ability to navigate in person social interactions"
However, as time passed, I began to notice a void in my professional life—a missing piece in the puzzle of career growth. Who could I turn to for guidance and support in times of challenge? Despite staying connected with friends and colleagues, I realized the need to expand my network within my field.
Stepping into the realm of virtual networking, I faced initial anxiety. How could I network effectively from the confines of my home? Virtual conferences and online networking sessions offered some reprieve, but the human connection felt fleeting, lost in the digital ether.
When the opportunity arose to attend an in-person gathering hosted by my professional association, I seized it eagerly. Surrounded by strangers in a vast conference room, I felt an unfamiliar pang of social anxiety. Something I would have never thought twice about before suddenly seemed so difficult. By day two of the conference I was feeling much better and back to my old extroverted self. I have since prioritized networking and have attended more in-person events and looking forward to doing more. Since my initial experience I have discovered three invaluable lessons:
The Importance of Socializing Muscle: Remote work had weakened my ability to navigate in person social interactions. As I navigated the conference room, I realized many others shared my apprehensions. Yet, through shared experiences and icebreaker activities, barriers melted away, paving the way for meaningful connections.
The Power of Human Connection: While video conferencing bridges geographical gaps, there's a primal energy to in-person interactions that simply cannot be replicated. The warmth of a smile, the sincerity of a handshake—these subtle nuances foster deeper connections and understanding.
Prioritizing In-Person Networking: Despite the conveniences of remote work, human connection remains paramount. As frustrating as office distractions may be, they pale in comparison to the value of personal interactions. Networking isn't just about professional advancement; it's about forging genuine relationships that transcend virtual barriers.
In conclusion, while I still prefer remote work with its freedom and flexibility, it's essential to recognize the importance of human connection. Embracing every opportunity for in-person networking, I've come to appreciate the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions and genuine connections filled with both real and virtual coffee chats.
About the Author
Yasmeen Boahene is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Transition HR Consulting. With extensive experience in HR and Organizational Change Management, Yasmeen specializes in mergers and acquisitions, helping organizations navigate complex transformations by aligning people strategies with business objectives.
Her approach focuses on fostering collaboration, building strong networks, and delivering tailored solutions that drive sustainable success for her clients.
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