“How Long Have We Been Doing This?”
If you’ve lost track, it’s been approximately six months since we transitioned to remote work. It’s understandable if you didn’t realize; time has been quite blurry lately. By now, we’ve likely grown accustomed to working from home. However, it has started to bring its own set of challenges and exhaustion. Nevertheless, just like in regular circumstances, it’s crucial to prioritize your mental well-being and that of your employees if you’re in a management position.
Some companies have felt the need to conduct a daily Zoom meeting instead of sending out a text update or providing standard instructions. This decision makes sense; in the pre-pandemic era, seeing each other in person first thing in the morning was routine, and its absence can make the workday feel incomplete. However, this has given rise to what is known as “Zoom burnout,” where employees dread the idea of switching on their cameras and sitting through a lengthy virtual meeting. It can be draining to put on a cheerful façade daily, especially when you’re not actively participating in the discussion. This issue could be extended to face-to-face meetings as well, but that’s a topic for another time. If there’s nothing imperative to discuss that can’t be handled via text, there’s no necessity for a meeting.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that everyone has had to blend their professional and personal lives together. While this might not be a significant challenge for some, individuals with families or other commitments outside of work may need to step away from their screens occasionally. With kids potentially being at home for the summer (or even longer), it’s important to understand when someone needs to briefly step away from their desk. It’s tough enough when a job keeps someone distant from their family, but it becomes even more challenging when their loved ones are just a stone’s throw away.
This current situation has pushed all of us to reassess many traditional professional norms. While it can be frustrating, adjusting during uncertain times necessitates making some allowances. Plus, if you don’t have daily meetings, you can stay in your pajamas all day!
