005 | Remote & Return

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📓 WFH | Work From Hammocks

Covid-19 decentralized the office. Work from Home, Hammocks — the world suddenly became your Hub.

The “office” can be anywhere.

In May, I was in El Salvador, where a founder was on a business call as we drove up the side of a mountain for a coffee tour.

In June last year, I befriended someone at a club who joined her work meeting, as a VP at Aetna, at 5AM by the slots in Las Vegas.

(Both had cameras off)

The ones who can seemingly manage remote work are either founders or senior-level execs.

However many, especially young people, want to work remotely. The data shows not just online. Last week I held a small group chat with 5 other individuals working in this future. What I found interesting was the binding factor for all of them was the desire to continue remote work.

🎡 Remote Interactions

The most difficult part of a remote work environment is fostering a connection between you, your colleagues, and your clients.

One way to engage remotely is by setting up remote 1on1's. Two weeks ago, I wrote about The Future of Networking (check there for more info on making meaningful remote connections).

Since then, I hosted the first online, remote networking session. Individuals were paired up in 1on1 breakout rooms for 10 minutes each. It was a good time, you can see smiles all around below.

Although I completed ½ my MBA during the pandemic, I only just discovered an incredible software called Gatheround which helps create more inclusive online experiences through its engaging tools. (If you'd like a 30-day trial, reply to this email).

When creating an online community, good software is needed. Zoom just isn't that engaging for fostering that connection. Do you have another an engagement-boosting software you'd recommend?

🪃 Making RTO Enjoyable

If you are a manager or employer, you likely hear RTO more than WFH.

According to a recent survey, 9 of 10 companies will enforce Return to Office by 2025. But if you want to foster collaboration, RTO policies need to be seen more as opportunities rather than mandates.

In short, there needs to be a purpose behind the transition back to in-person. Employees need to know why it makes sense, based on data, not just tradition.

What works well in person:

• Spontaneous collaboration

• Problem-Solving sessions

• Mentorship moments

• Creative brainstorms

• Client meetings

• Team building

What works well at home:

• Administrative tasks

• Creative blocks

• Focused work

• Productivity

The best RTO strategies are tailored with hybrid schedules or specific office days backed by clear reasoning. Ultimately, it’s about making the office a place where connection, purpose, and performance come together in a way that remote work can’t always replicate.

🛠️ Creating Productive Space

Your home office is more than just a desk and a chair. It’s where you spend most of your day, so why not make it work for you? A little thoughtfulness in your setup can transform your productivity and your mood.

Start with the basics. Set the stage up for focus and creativity.

Here are ideas to consider for your space:

• Ergonomics: A good chair with a small pillow behind the back can do wonders for your spine. , proper desk height, and screen positioning can prevent long-term aches and pains. Your body will thank you.

• Screen position: The top of the screen should be at eye level.

• Natural Light: Position your desk near a window, but do not have your back to the window, read below.

• Feng Shui: Ensure your back is not to a window nor the door. Ideally, you can see outside the window and the door. (I love this guy's explanation)

• Declutter Often: A clean space equals a clear mind. Lots of sticky notes? Take pictures of them and put them in a folder on your phone to return to later.

• Personalize It: Paint a wall, add a plant, a piece of art, or add a candle burner which can add an olfactory trigger (sense of smell) to encourage the work needed to be done.

• Standing Desk: Already have a desk? Get this add-on. This encourages me to get up and dance a little to some tunes (like the ones down below!) while working.

🔗 Links

• 📖 The Future of Work isn't either In or Out Of the Office

• 📖 Want Your Team to Return to the Office? Give them a Good Reason

• 🎧 The Return to Office Lie: Why It's Failing Companies 

⚡️ Updates

As I shared in the update this week, I held my first networking hour! Next one is set to go live on September 4th at 8pm EST.

Interested in connecting with passionate individuals online? Sign Up here.

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Hey, Lauren here. I'm grateful you took the time to read my letter. Let me know what you think by replying to this email or sending me a DM on LinkedIn.