Coworking and other solutions to the loneliness epidemic

With technology, timesaving tools are readily available. We can shop for clothing, buy groceries and pay bills online. Workspaces are flexible, and we no longer need to interact with others. More and more people are choosing to work from home, believing it will cut costs and increase productivity.

While it seems alluring to the everyday worker – “I can work in my pajamas!”—the risks of detaching from the outside world can become an issue. 

The greatest danger? Loneliness.

Research shows that feelings of loneliness and depression can affect mortality rates at the same rate as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s pretty significant!  

Vivek H. Murthy, former U.S. surgeon general, calls loneliness as an epidemic and says it even affects people who work in traditional offices. The workplace may be the only opportunity for true social interaction, and when trust is lacking, it’s a lonely place to be.   

“Why are we becoming so lonely? One reason is the changing nature of work. Work is one of the key sources of friendship and community. Think of your own relationships; surely many of your closest friendships — perhaps even your relationship with your spouse — started in the workplace. Yet the reality of the workplace is rapidly attenuating, as people hop from job to job, and from city to city, as steady work becomes harder to find and the ‘gig’ economy grows.” 

-The New York Times 
 

Luckily, spaces like Focal Point Coworking exist for remote, solo, and traveling workers. Even for digital nomads, a coworking center is a welcoming, built-in workspace and community wherever you go. Professionals in your network can refer you to the perfect space, and new ones are popping up every day.  

Building trust can be tricky, but remember, you’re surrounded by people like you. At Focal Point, we are united by similar business goals and making connections is vital. 

While coworking can offer solutions to loneliness, it’s up to you to engage and take advantage of the benefits.

 

• Go to a networking event or professional workshop. These are often built in at coworking centers. Focal Point Coworking hosts at least one workshop per month, as well as informal happy hours. Set goals – attend one event per month and make one new connection per event. Follow up with an email or phone call and find a common goal.

• Say hi to a coworker and ask about their day. This is a great way to practice small talk and make it a habit. Yes, talk about the weather. Ask their favorite sports team. Find out if they prefer coffee or tea. Even if you’re not discussing important topics, you will both benefit from human interaction.

• Work on your presence. If you have an approachable look, you’ll have more positive interactions. Constant smiling isn’t necessary, but take note of your body language. Uncross your arms, don’t frown, look up instead of down.

• Create new rituals that involve others. What are your daily habits? Are they solitary? Try adding others to the mix. Take public transportation, go to a fitness class, utilize that coworking space – seeing others regularly can forge new friendships. 

• Savor your alone time. It may sound counterintuitive that enjoying being alone will help you be less lonely, but it works. Instead of thinking about work, stressing over awkward interactions, and making to-do lists, make time for mindfulness. Take deep breaths and work on your posture. Make a cup of tea and sip it slowly. Read a book for pleasure or do a crossword puzzle. If you can relax when you’re alone, you’ll be more open to new experiences and meeting people when you’re outside the house.

• Make authentic connections. Once you’ve mastered small talk, begin sharing more deeply and looking people in the eyes. Try to find a way to connect on a meaningful level. Possible topics on which to connect: philanthropy, family, personal goals and intentions for the future.

Start with a smile. You’re never truly alone.

Tamsen Todisco,
Community Coordinator Focal Point Coworking