We’re Only Human

The need for human connection has been known for thousands of years. While everyone’s belonging needs vary, all of us require social interaction with others. Even the most reclusive individuals have a modicum of interaction need.

Prior to the technological advances in communication, people found ways to connect in person. There were no options. However, with the advent of new communication tools, it is less necessary to be in person. People can communicate without being in the physical presence of others.

Tools That Help And Hurt

We both enjoy and loathe the ability to communicate quickly. But by relying on technology for our communication needs, we inadvertently interrupt our social interaction needs—our human need to connect. That is, we can now transact work without social interactions.

I just read an interesting study that explored the impact of social isolation, the opposite of social interaction. It appears that extended isolation affects the brain structure and cognition. Without boring you, the message is that social isolation without human connection is dangerous to your mental and emotional health.

This got me to thinking about how firm leaders want to have their staff return to the office. They are aware of the toll that remote work has taken on everyone, especially those new to the firm and those with higher social interaction needs. In addition to workers not having good remote disciplines and routines and an exceptional workload, the social isolation has increased the weariness, stress and burnout that many feel. As a result, most firms are settling on a hybrid model with at least some time in the office.

Tools Aren’t A Substitute

The point is that all the communication tools have made it possible to remove the need for in person transactions. However, they can’t replicate the social connections. Even video tools can’t replace in person conversations, primarily because those contacts are focused on work transactions. Even peppering video calls with inquiries about how you’re doing or what you did last weekend are no substitute for the richness of in person interaction.

So we have a situation where some are flourishing remotely and others are looking forward to getting back to the office. There are no easy answers. We will all have to experiment with options, trading off personal preferences for optimal firm health.

In the meantime, don’t mistake your work transactions as a substitute for social interaction.