Is our changing approach to work also changing how we socialise?

Over the last twenty to thirty years, we've seen a significant shift in the way we work, ushered in by the technology age. Long-gone are the days of the stable corporate 9-5, with one career leading to the gold watch and a retirement spent relaxing and pursuing our hobbies.

What’s changed over that time to bring us to where we are today?

Back at the turn of the century, during the dark ages when paid parental leave was a misty-eyed dream, many new Mums took to creating businesses that offered the flexibility to care for their children and still earn a living, made possible by the introduction of social media and easy access to the online world. At the same time the growing access to tech solutions saw many with an entrepreneurial spirit start innovating, consulting and founding their own organisations.

In more recent times we've seen the rise in the gig economy, spearheaded by organisations like Uber, giving people access to boosting their studies or full and part-time work. As well as a shift to organisations seeking less permanent solutions when it comes to filling roles, leading to the rise of one of today's common work titles, Fractional Executives.

Add to that the WFH and hybrid workplaces we've become used to since the pandemic, and we're seeing a very different and far more disconnected workforce than we had twenty or thirty years ago.

So, what does this mean for our social lives and wellbeing?

For those who are employed, even in a WFH or hybrid workplace, making friends at work is still possible. Though a post-pandemic survey from workplace events company Wildgoose suggests that employees are lonelier than ever with 40% of respondents saying they lack real workplace friendships. This is an issue that has been noted by several workplaces, with many making intentional effort to ensure employee connectivity.

However, those who are part of the gig economy and fractional workforce are often excluded from this intention and can suffer from a sense of social isolation and a lack of belonging.

Prior to COVID, gig workers were predicted to make up 40% of the global workforce by 2025, but the pandemic has accelerated the demand for gig workers. And job postings for fractional and interim executive roles in Australia have increased by 35% over the last two years.

So, if you're one of the estimated 250,000 gig economy workers or you're part of the fractional executive movement, how do you ensure you stay connected and build and maintain your social network?

Although there many online options for connection, nothing can replace the benefits that come from in-person connection. So, here are our top tips for building and maintaining your business and social connections.

Join a coworking space

Even if your budget only runs to a couple of days a week, regular contact with other likeminded people can help increase your sense of belonging and connection.

Join a networking group

Finding a group that serves your industry or your local area also provides opportunities for connection, often with encouragement to connect outside of regular events. If you have a tight budget, your local business chamber is usually an affordable option.

Take time out in cafes

If you want a regular way to ensure you have in-person human interaction without a regular expense, try working in your local cafes. If you make it part of your routine, you'll probably find you get to make connections with people you see regularly.

Join an Amicii Experience!

Of course! During our Northern Beaches pilot we are curating a series of small group dining and social experiences specifically to connect freelancers and solo business owners to celebrate the end of the year. And as we move forward there will be more opportunities to build your social and business connections because, as we know, business and life is often interchangeable.

So, make sure you seek out some human connection to boost your mood as well as your success.