"Thriving in a Blended Workspace: Strategies for Maintaining Connection and Wellbeing in the Age of COVID-19"

Find ways to be mindful and aware of your surroundings, such as observing nature during a walk or participating in mindfulness exercises.

The repercussions of COVID-19, particularly the persisting presence of the Omicron variant, have drastically altered our working landscape. The necessity of sporadic work-from-home periods or absences from work has become a common occurrence for many.

Here are some strategies to maintain your connection with your team and bolster your mental wellbeing in an environment where your home and workspace have become intertwined:

Establish a consistent daily schedule. This might involve dressing in your work attire, engaging in virtual lunchtime banter with colleagues, or keeping up your post-work yoga routine. Maintaining these familiar routines can boost your mental wellbeing by providing a sense of stability and predictability - something our brains truly appreciate!

When feasible, create a distinct workspace equipped with appropriate gear, and establish a routine encompassing defined start and end times, breaks, and periods of fresh air. This can help differentiate your work and home environments, ensuring a balanced dynamic between the two.

Preserve your connection with colleagues by regularly checking in on them. Instead of sending an email, consider a phone call or a video chat for a more personal interaction.

Explore innovative ways to bond as a team. You could organise virtual coffee breaks, morning Zoom karakia, or email threads sharing favourite tunes or recipes.

If it's safe, consider arranging a walking meeting with your colleagues to combine productivity with physical activity.

Find ways to be mindful and aware of your surroundings, such as observing nature during a walk or participating in mindfulness exercises.

Express your appreciation for a colleague's exceptional work or contribution.

Seek out fresh learning opportunities. You might read an article or watch a video on a new subject of interest, promoting continual personal and professional growth.

Mental Health Awareness Week is Sep 18 -24 with speakers available at Essential Talent