How absence has made colleagues grow fonder

Homeworking has not resulted in workers becoming more remote from colleagues, new research has revealed. In fact, findings suggest quite the opposite.

Research of 2,000 adults currently working remotely revealed 53 per cent believe they now have a better understanding of their colleagues as human beings. And 43 per cent think it’s easier now to connect with their colleagues than it was when they were in the same office.

Over the past year, workers have bonded by virtually meeting their colleagues’ pets (44 per cent), and by learning about their interests through backgrounds on video calls (40 per cent).

Almost four in 10 (38 per cent) feel they have become closer to those they work with after meeting their family during video calls, while 37 per cent have had more opportunities to message about personal interests.

More than a third (36 per cent) also said informal communication has allowed them to see more of their colleague’s personalities, which has helped them to get to know each other.

Commissioned by Slack, the survey was completed after reaching the one-year milestone of many people beginning to work from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also found 59 per cent believe communication between colleagues has become much more informal since beginning to work remotely. Nearly four in 10

(37 per cent) “always” or “often” send emojis, with the ‘thumbs up’ emoji revealed to be the most popular (47 per cent).

Stuart Templeton, head of Slack in the UK, said: “Especially during a time when many of us are working remotely, emoji have given us a way to express ourselves more quickly, clearly and with joy.

“While emoji can be playful, they’re far from counterproductive. In fact, emoji can help unlock nuances that make interactions more empathetic, authentic and efficient.

“Nobody wants another ‘reply all’ email, but a quick ‘thumbs up’ emoji is great. As companies look to reinvent work with new and better tools and methods of communication, one thing is for certain: emoji in the workplace are here to stay.”

The study revealed Brits are maintaining office banter and their sense of humour during lockdowns, with the ‘crying with laughter’ emoji being the second most popular emoji for respondents to use with co-workers, followed by the blushing face with smiling eyes (26 per cent). But 62 per cent of emoji users said using the images has made them feel more connected to their colleagues.

It also emerged that since working remotely, 51 per cent of those polled via OnePoll, have had increased feelings of solidarity with co-workers. And 43 per cent said their colleagues know more about them now than they would have in the workplace. This increased connection might be one reason why 68 per cent of respondents never want to go back to the ‘old way’ of working.

Mr Templeton added: “We could never have predicted how fast the shift to a new era of work would accelerate over the past year. Flexible working models and digital tools have enabled us to be more efficient and productive than most would have imagined possible.

“This reinvented way of working unlocks us from the physical constraints of the office, the in-person meetings and the daily commute. Now is our opportunity to solidify a world that is more inclusive and flexible. This will allow us to truly connect — perhaps more than ever before.”