This article considers a few well-being type impacts of being isolated and ways to get the most out of this situation.

Health. One positive aspect of working from home is the reduction in picking up colds and other infectious illnesses from co-workers. It’s well know how air conditioning/HVAC systems spread germs around a building and communing together is always going to spread infection. There is, of course, a counter argument that isolation can reduce tolerance built up by exposure to small amount of disease.

Fitness. Personally, and I think it is fair to say generally it’s easier to get exercise when working from home. You can fit in a run, a class, or a gym visit based on your schedule and because you’re usually closer to the facilities. While this might seem self-indulgent (‘I wouldn’t suddenly disappear if I was in the office’), if done with good-conscience you’ll be more productive and happier because of it. In countenance, many office locations have onsite (or nearby) fitness facilities too – so it depends on every situation of course.

Social. Many people make friends (and romantic relations) with people they meet through work, and when you rarely meet or see this group of people this becomes hard to achieve to the same degree. Certainly in this age of virtual-relationships (i.e. without a physical presence) it can still exist, but all the subtle factors involved in social (vs professional) interactions are inhibited. Indeed attempts at establishing social relationships are often frowned upon – just this week I noticed some initial social chit-chat interactions on a conference call went passed an invisible ‘line’, frustrating others on the call.

Visually Present. One lesson I got from an amazing manager I had in the past is to always use video calling. The facial and body-language communication enrich interactions substantially, and it goes a long way to prove you’re attentive and engaged.

Get Out. As opportunities for close social interactions at work fade, it is down to the individual to seek them out elsewhere, and avoid the lazy option of becoming a social hermit. Get an interest that takes you out of the house and – most importantly – commit to it. If you want to maintain happy and effective full-time working from home, this is an essential.