[18 June 2021] Day 18 of the fmco* in Malaysia
18th March 2020 – the first day Malaysia went into the lock-down for the first time as a response to the spread Covid-19 virus. There was a lot of uncertainties as people prepared to start the work-from-home (wfh) regime. For a few, this is what wfh may have looked like – a nice, quiet corner in the house, away from human traffic, where you can set up your computer, sit down with a cup of coffee and your favourite pastry. No phone calls. No interruptions from office mates. And no traffic jams. Just peace and quiet.
WAKE UP!
Reality can really wake you up, doesn’t it? Soon after that, you got pulled in all directions — the kids, the spouse, the pets, the parents, the online shopping delivery person, the food delivery person and the never-ending online meetings. Some have to switch from one meeting to another with not even a minute in-between. Working late becomes the norm because of the invisible line between home and ‘office’.
Then there’s additional pressure to help the kids with their online classes — who knew you still have to remember the dates from your history books. On top of that, the dishes, the laundry, and the meals are not going to take care of themselves magically.
Finally, there’s the work issues and problems to solve. You used to be able to pop into the next cubicle to ask or to share your thoughts. Or get some insights from someone you bump into at the pantry. Who can you talk to now? Nobody at home understands and they cannot help you. That’s the irony. Despite all the noise and activity, social isolation has increased. You now miss the cheery co-worker who wishes everyone Good Morning every day, your lunch mate(s), and the one who makes the coffee everyday. Nobody asks you if you had a good weekend or bounces ideas off you. No more mental stimulation.
The difference I see now
In one of my courses last year, I gave a presentation topic assignment about finding a way to keep socially connected to co-workers online. All the presenters delivered it very well – citing good research and proposing different ideas. I can say everyone was optimistic about it. I just delivered the same course today. Now that we have had various levels of lockdowns for a year and a half, the mood is very different.
Although it’s a younger group this time, many reported some form of social isolation and a sense of being lost. It’s no longer theoretical; there were a lot of authenticity of emotions in their presentations. Despite some being at home with their family and being surrounded by loved ones.
We need to do something now
It’s anyone’s guess when things will change and how it will change. We need to make sure we find avenues to allow social interaction among team members with no work involved. If you are in a position of influence and authority, please allocate time, space and resource for this. If not, we will have another kind of epidemic – a mental health epidemic.
A few months ago, the Citigroup declared a Zoom-free Friday policy. That’s a good first step. I hope to see more being done.
fmco = Full Movement Control Order
About the Author: Gina Phan is a consultant and trainer with Zinfinity Consulting. She currently conducts courses in workplace performance skills. Click here to contact her, follow her on Facebook or connect with her on Linkedin.
#socialisolation #workfromhome #wfh #mentalhealth
#trainergina #ginaphan #gp
(Feature Image by Junjira Konsang from Pixabay)
(Image by Pexels from Pixabay)
