I'm embarrassed to admit I left my computer at home today. I had been working before bed, and tossed it aside assuming I would grab it in the morning. Got up, got ready, drove to work. Opened bag, only to realize I forgot it. I immediately recalibrated, trying to figure out how I will get my work done today, and attempt to write this article on my phone. Frustrated with myself? Sure. However, I choose to look at the opportunity my forgetfulness has brought. Today, I am not married to my computer. I'm going to get up from behind my desk and actually go talk to people.
Don't get me wrong. A large portion of my job is spent interacting with others on a daily basis. That said, I, like most of you, are probably a little too reliant on Slack, text and email to power through my daily work. Technology can be a beautiful thing, However, there is no replacing human contact. Don't believe me? Consider the following:
Real Conversations Help Your Mood
While there is no doubt that technology can help us achieve efficiency in our work, it is physiologically proven that when we have human interactions, our body releases oxytocin. When this occurs, it triggers feelings of attachment and trust. This leads to greater collaboration and partnering with others. Clearly, these are elements of stronger teamwork and more productivity at work. In short: human connection just makes us feel and perform better.
Digital Convos are for Transactions
Who doesn't like powering through their pile of transactional work with the aid of all the technology that has been made available to us. Sure, it is a huge helping hand when it comes to providing comments on a colleague’s upcoming presentation, or answering the host of quick questions that float across your screen each day. However, consider investing a half an hour of your day today and see what happens when you walk up to people and respond to them in person. Even if it's just a quick conversation, the act of making a human connection will only serve to benefit you both when you actually need to collaborate on something more meaningful in the future.
Real World Slack Channels
I love the banter my team gets into over our various communication tools. When we are spread out all over the world, it's wonderful to be able to joke, share, and stay connected when we can't be together. Nothing, however, replaces the camaraderie and solidification of teamwork when we have the opportunity to be in the same room partnering together and building of ideas, or going offsite and sharing a meal. The transactional element disappears, and true relationships result in even better work. Find the opportunities to take advantage of the common areas in your office (think cafeteria, game rooms, local coffee) to get together in person and connect. Think of it as a living slack channel.
Technology has advanced to the point where we could all work from the comfort of our own homes or spaces, with little need to ever see one another face to face. Call me old school, but investing time in actually connecting with people face to face will never go out of style. Apps help us get our work done. People - and the relationships we build with them - better enable us to get our work done in a far more impactful way.
Christina Luconi is Chief People Officer for Rapid7. Follow her on Twitter: @peopleinnovator.