Simple Tips for Social Connections and Happiness in a Challenging Hybrid Work Environment

“I find it hard to work in a hybrid setting. I have tried it on numerous occasions over the years, including when I signed up with a company, but I am still not great at it. There’s always a nagging thought about how I engage with people socially, or even if I do, will these dynamics sustain when we only meet a few times per week at the office and not every day.  It doesn’t feel the same.  Eventually, this results in a breakdown of my social functioning that I’ve been trying to prioritize.”

Does this have a familiar ring to it? Working on a social engagement plan is a difficult challenge even in the best of times, but it is all the more daunting and necessary during times of hybrid work settings wherein you’re not in a physical work setting every day. 

Samvedna Care, with its expertise, highlights some go-to strategies to assist you in achieving the right balance in fostering social engagement within the framework of a hybrid work setting, prioritizing the well-being of employee mental health. 

• Keep your Coffee breaks going – Just like at the office, remember to get up and go to the pantry for your coffee breaks. Remember, it is tempting to give in to the guilt of ‘I must sit and get most of my work done today while I’m at the office, and taking a break may waste my time.’ Getting up every few hours is important and will give you that much-needed space to share the usual laughter, gossip, or friendly jokes that come with the social fabric of workplaces.  You may even want to schedule the same online together with your team to keep the momentum going!
• ‘YOU’ need to take the initiative – The thing with Social engagement and healthy social functioning is you need to take the first step and the initiative – for the first ‘Hello’ or welcoming a new member or initiating conversations. Waiting for someone else to take the first move may not be that helpful. 
• Stay Connected – Staying connected during remote working or work-from-home days is crucial. Bringing back Friday Pizza nights (via Zoom or Skype) is an easy way to spend time with your co-workers, even when you are connected online. For an extra layer of fun, try some online game apps like Heads Up or Ludo
• Know When to Ask for Help – If you are overwhelmed at work, and it is causing undue stress, where you feel things are too much to handle, communicate! Shed the Superwoman/Superman image and explain your situation to your boss or supervisor. Remember, communicating about vulnerabilities is also a major aspect of strength. Regular, healthy, and open communication is often the key to the start of healthy social dynamics at the workplace. 
• Don’t be too hard on yourself – It’s not easy to work in a hybrid setting, and sometimes it may impact the sense of control you feel with an all-remote or all-office setting. There are days when you may not get any meaningful conversations at all, and that’s okay, too! Remember, it’s a journey, and baby steps do matter!

While we all strive for social engagement, particularly in a hybrid work setting, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual must discover the methods that resonate and work best for them, navigating the challenges of finding the right balance. 

The sentiment of difficulty in engaging socially, coupled with the uncertainty of sustaining meaningful connections in a less frequent office environment, is a shared experience. Recognizing the pressing need for effective social engagement, Samvedna Care steps in with valuable strategies designed to foster connection and prioritize employee mental health. In their expertise lies a roadmap to navigate the intricacies of a hybrid work setting, acknowledging the importance of maintaining well-being. Samvedna Care emerges as a beacon of support, providing insights into cultivating a harmonious work environment. By addressing the challenges of social engagement in a hybrid setting and prioritizing employee mental health, Samvedna Care reinforces the idea that a fulfilling and balanced professional life is within reach, even in the ever-evolving landscape of work.