Step 1: Know thyself
Dropbox research shows that 86% of its employees find in-person gathering to have “a meaningful impact on their team working together effectively.” Working in-person, however, can feel different for introverts and extroverts. Additionally, the way in which you work — whether in-office, hybrid, remote, or somewhere in between — can influence how you feel about being in person.
Take a personality test, like the Enneagram, or start small and fill out a working-with-me template to gauge where you lean. If you lean introvert, be aware that in-person work, whether offsites or your in-office days when working hybrid, may leave you exhausted. Consider opting out of optional activities and building breaks into your day to recharge.
Step 2: Avoid over-programming
If you’re a planner of an in-person gathering, be mindful that folks need time to process between sessions. Be considerate when designing agendas.
- Avoid scheduling intense sessions first thing in the morning or just before breaking for the day. Leave more buffer than you need between sessions to allow serendipity amongst attendees.
- Consider planning a team meal and hosting it Jeffersonian style — a unique approach that removes the need for small talk and buys each person time to actually eat while hearing from their colleagues. This works at an offsite or a catered lunch during one of your in-office days.
- Include dedicated focus time and coworking sessions in the agenda for multi-day in-office or offsite schedules. Attendees will appreciate the opportunity to clear notifications and catch up on KTLO (keep the lights on) work, allowing them to jump back into the next session without distractions.
If you work in a hybrid setting and go into the office a few days each week or month, take time to plan thoughtfully for your in-person days. You’ll want to maximize in-person time with other team members who are present on those days while also being mindful of your energy levels to combat IRL fatigue. Use face-to-face time to align on complex issues that may be better brainstormed in-person versus asynchronously or virtually. Schedule coffee chats to build connections with new or cross-functional teammates who you don’t meet with often. If you’re a morning person, try to do creative brainstorming when you feel energized, and schedule casual conversations for the afternoon. If you’re an introvert, build in breaks between in-person meetings to recharge.
Step 3: Plan your downtime
Particularly for those who primarily work remotely, in-person gatherings can be overwhelming. Plan ahead to mitigate added stress. This could look like planning hikes or workouts before or after the day’s programming, FaceTime calls with family back home, or breaking bread with friends who happen to live in the city you’re visiting.
Those who work hybrid can plan ahead and schedule their downtime activities based on their working location. While remote days can be prioritized for personal or family time, a day working in-office could be the perfect opportunity to meet a coworker for coffee, take a lunch visit to a gallery, or check out a new restaurant after work.
