Finding Happiness in Hybrid Work: Insights from Amy Newmark

Finding Happiness in the Hybrid Work Era: A Conversation with Amy Newmark

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, the concept of hybrid work has become increasingly prevalent. As organizations navigate this new terrain, employees are faced with unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Amy Newmark, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, and Author of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, about finding happiness in hybrid work environments.

The Blurred Lines Between Work and Home

One of the most significant challenges in the hybrid work model is the blurring of boundaries between professional and personal life. Newmark points out, "For so many people, home used to be a sanctuary from work and now it's become an extension of the office." This shift has introduced new stressors and the need for intentional boundary-setting.

To combat this, Newmark suggests creating clear routines and boundaries:

1. Establish dedicated work hours, even when working from home
2. Create a separate workspace within your living area
3. Take regular breaks to disconnect from work-related tasks

Combating Burnout in a Hybrid World

The lack of clear boundaries has contributed to increased burnout among workers. Newmark emphasizes the importance of creating your own boundaries and routines to mitigate this risk. She shares a personal anecdote: "What I enjoyed doing most while working from home last summer was taking an hour in the middle of the day for a long bike ride. I didn't worry that it was the middle of the day because I was working all the time."

However, as her team transitioned to a hybrid model, Newmark adjusted her approach:

• Implementing a strict no-work policy on weekends and evenings
• Encouraging her team to maintain similar boundaries
• Focusing on productivity during designated work hours, whether at home or in the office

Balancing Act: Strategies from "Your 10 Keys to Happiness"

Newmark's latest book, "Your 10 Keys to Happiness," offers valuable insights for maintaining work-life balance in a hybrid environment. She shares two powerful strategies:

1. The "Lily Pad" Technique: Inspired by a story from Kristine Byron, this method involves adding fake appointments to your calendar as buffer time. These "lily pads" provide moments of respite and prevent over-scheduling.

2. Nature as a Stress Reliever: Another story highlights the importance of spending time in nature. Regular outdoor activities, such as hiking, can significantly improve overall well-being and work performance.

Leveraging Flexibility for Greater Happiness

The flexibility offered by hybrid work models presents unique opportunities for enhancing personal happiness. Newmark shares her excitement about non-office days: "It's almost like a snow day. It's so nice to know that instead of having that commuting time, I can use my time for exercise or something that's personally beneficial."

However, she also emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions: "I also think not going into the office at all doesn't make people happier, because socialization is important for human beings and we miss it."

Key Takeaways for HR and IT Managers

For corporate HR managers, IT managers, and facility professionals looking to optimize their hybrid work strategies, consider the following:

1. Encourage clear boundary-setting between work and personal time
2. Implement flexible scheduling to allow for personal activities during traditional work hours
3. Facilitate brainstorming sessions and team-building activities to maintain social connections
4. Provide resources for stress management and mental health support
5. Regularly assess and adjust hybrid work policies based on employee feedback

By embracing the insights shared by Amy Newmark and implementing thoughtful strategies, organizations can create a hybrid work environment that promotes happiness, productivity, and overall well-being for their employees.

Remember, the key to a successful hybrid work model lies in finding the right balance between flexibility and structure, personal time and professional responsibilities. As we continue to navigate this new world of work, let's strive to create environments where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.