MEET YOU AT THE WATER COOLER
Remember when you went to the office every day? You would see your friend from another department on the way to grab a quick bite and you would joke about something having nothing to do with work. This was your reset time. The chance to take a break, reenergize, gain perspective. Or you would start your day with “hey – what’s up, did you see that special last night on…”
These parts of our workday are as important to our motivation and how effective we are, as our ability to analyze numbers, develop strategies and drive business. They are the social parts of or being that make work more than just a job.
So often, when I have recruited people and they are preparing to give notice they say the same thing….”it is the people I will miss here.” We are all missing our people. We are missing the touch points, the resets, the refuels that have nothing to with the ultimate product of work we deliver but so much to do with the personal satisfaction and joys we get form our work.
Morning greetings, lunch, water cooler moments – the connections that truly create meaning because it makes us part of something bigger, matter. While much has been written online about being productive at home, little has addressed how to manage your day while missing those moments. My suggestion – don’t miss them! Incorporate them just like you would in your workday. When you get up from your desk and need a break – call your water cooler buddy and drink some water together. When it’s time for lunch, invite someone to FaceTime lunch together. Start your day by connecting with someone for 2 minutes about how great your weekend was – or what your thoughts were on the latest episode of Tiger King.
Share with others – how are you managing your water cooler moments?
