Distance can strip away feelings of joy, pain, and sorrow. Over the phone or web, I may pretend that life is fine, even if deep inside I feel miserable. Those feelings, though hidden, are real and affect my work and family life. That’s why it’s essential to communicate constructively, allowing others to truly understand where we are mentally and emotionally.
Likewise, when people work remotely, their life dramas don’t disappear; we just can’t sense them through the screen. People cannot be at their best all the time—because they are, after all, human. So, we must create a safe space where it’s okay for people to share their mood and stress levels. At the same time, it’s important to take responsibility for constructively communicating how we’re feeling.
In this new world of remote work, we have new tools to stay connected. We must continue learning how to use them—not just for productivity but for maintaining the human connections that keep us grounded as one unit.
