Like many people, I have gotten very used to working remotely. I did it for three years in my role as Chief Design Officer, working with a globally distributed team. While I enjoy the distraction-free environment and being able to work on my own schedule, I really miss getting in a room with the team and solving problems together. I miss vibing off each other, the banter, the playfulness, and the energy of collaborating with other humans.
I don’t think this has to be a daily ritual, but it should happen frequently enough. I understand that not everyone is in the mood at the same time, but given how much more flexible things are compared to when we used to have to be at the office from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm if not longer, along with the daily commute, we’ve got things pretty good now.
I would even like to point out that getting together does not have to happen at the office. I’d personally negotiate with the business to rather get a budget and, instead of having a dedicated space, have funds to meet at a restaurant, coffee shop, or a co-working space. Given it is only a few times a month, a change of environment might be fun.
Another really great idea is something I got from Jony Ive’s Stripe talk. Meet at each other’s homes and open your space for the team, maybe taking turns on where you visit. I’m sure the pressure would be a lot for some, but for others this could really energise them.
I think people need to get creative about how they get together and how they get the work done. I don’t believe in switching on and off between certain hours. I have barely ever kept normal working hours in my career. I believe inspiration hits when it wants to. Of course, this adds to the complexity of things, but trying to make this as energising as possible for everyone is the goal. I think the intent is what matters.
Some companies have amazing studios, but the places I’ve worked at recently lacked that appeal, so no wonder working from home was preferable. I’d like to see my team, though, and find ways of connecting other than sitting in front of the glass. I miss saying, check this out, what do you think.
It doesn’t just have to be the design team. Cross-disciplined teams delivering a feature should be able to work together. I bet a lot will get resolved when you don’t have to explain yourself to death on Slack or set up a formal meeting just to share your thoughts with someone.
There are benefits, as much as we try to deny it and justify our work-from-home mentality. There is way more flexibility now. We shouldn’t so begrudgingly resist a bit of time together. Make it fun. Make it an adventure. Share your space, find a space, share a vibe. Anything to make things more enjoyable.
I hate the word work. I wish it was called play because your work should be something you enjoy. Something better enjoyed together.
I would love to hear what other people are doing to get together and have fun at work.