[Ask Chaitra]: “I like working from home but I miss the camaraderie with my team members…”

"Dear Chaitra, I recently rejoined the work force after taking time off for starting a family. Now, I've joined an MNC that allows me to work from home so that I can look after my baby. I like working from home but I miss the camaraderie with my team members. Whenever I have to report to work for some client meeting, I find myself  alone and nobody to talk to. My team members don't hate me but they don't necessarily like me either. What can I do to become 'friends' with them? Regards, Chandrika"

Dear Chandrika,

I know what you're going through. Many of my friends and family members have expressed their jealousy over my work schedule because I get to work from home 95% of the time. They are envious of the fact that I can work in my ratty old t-shirt and take an afternoon nap while they have to make their way through traffic-filled roads and struggle to stay awake in boring meetings. Little do they know that sometimes my working hours are quite lonesome with no human interaction (unless you count thanking the delivery guy for bringing me food on the days I don't cook as human interaction) until my roommate returns. On the days the loneliness gets too much to bear, I like to torture myself by scrolling through my Instagram feed and going through pictures of my non-WFH friends having fun at work with their colleagues or enjoying a team lunch.

Having spoken to many clients who work remotely themselves, I have come to understand that loneliness is a common problem most remote workers face. Fortunately, that can be easily remedied by stepping out or inviting friends over.  But an even more pressing issue is the one you face - feeling like an outsider in your team / organization. This, unfortunately, is a little more time-consuming to fix. However with these 4 simple steps, you will soon be able to enjoy the camaraderie that you are craving for.

1. Don't talk about work all the time

To establish a relationship with your colleagues, you need to talk about interests beyond your work for e.g. a mutual love for reality TV shows or hobbies you have in common. Just remember to keep the topics appropriate.  Steer clear from controversial or sensitive issues.

2. Make the most of the technology we have

Opt for video calls during your next online team meeting. By encouraging everyone to switch on their video cameras and see each other, you get to talk to them as if you were there in person.

3. Sign Up for your Office Newsletter

If your organization has a weekly / monthly newsletter, sign up for updates. This will help you stay in the loop about exciting news and events happening in your organization, including internal issues that the public might not be privy to yet.

4. Leverage the Power of Social Media

Most organizations have some form of social media presence. Follow their activity to get regular updates on all the social events in your workplace. By doing this, you also get more fodder for your non-work conversations with your colleagues.

You don't have to give up the perks of working remotely for establishing a bond with your colleagues. These simple steps will allow you to have your cake and eat it too.