80% of young people in West Midlands say working from home is impacting their career growth

Over half of young people in the West Midlands say they worry working from home is impacting their career growth.

A new report shows lockdown restrictions and the new work from home lifestyle has resulted in those at the start of their careers missing out on the chance to learn essential soft skills, like interacting with colleagues in an office environment and the art of small talk.

Young people are being hit hardest by this due to many of them getting their first or second job during the pandemic and having to immediately work remotely.

Anjula Mutanda, workplace psychologist, said: "Working remotely means you don't get those micro interactions with people.

"This is where you pick up information, you polish up on your body language, polish up on your small talk skills and connect with colleagues.

"These are of course all small things which can have a huge impact on your career growth."

The new data shows that 86% of West Midland workers feel 'out of practice' when it comes to office life.

Furthermore, two in five say they have missed out on socialising with colleagues - and 36% think they have missed out on in-person training that would benefit their career.

Anjula continued: "If you don't have team or collaboration skills you might get left out.

"You might be the most brilliant worker in the building but if you can't get along with your colleagues that might leave you at a distinct disadvantage."

Anjula is sharing her advice to young people to help them find their voice in the new world of work, adjust to office life again, improve their confidence and conversation skills at work.

Active & open engagement with your colleagues:

• If you’re struggling to connect with others, an effective technique is to start by asking open questions.

• Be specific, something like, “What are you working on at the moment”?

• Listen to what they’re saying, resist the urge to interrupt with your own anecdotes, and use verbal and non-verbal cues such as nodding, smiling, and saying something like, “I hear what you’re saying”.

Confidence tool-up:

• To ensure you don’t find yourself lost for words, have some conversation openers up your sleeve.

• When meeting new colleagues, simply introduce yourself and invite them to do the same, ask what they work on and how long they’ve been there.

• Small acts of kindness will go a mile, make you feel part of the team and boost your confidence.

Short circuiting anxiety and taking control using the traffic light method:

• The traffic light method is a simple way to keep a check - ask yourself “am I green, amber or red today?”

• If you’re green, you’re having a good day and you don’t feel anxious, stressed or worried.

• On amber days, there may be some uncertainty, maybe you’re unsettled or just feel flat. On these days take yourself out for a walk, find some time to be alone, take slow breaths or grab a glass of water.

• If you’re feeling red, you’re struggling, and you need support. Reach out to a trusted colleague and ask for help, or a coffee catch up. Put a time in the diary to explain what’s worrying or stressing you, and from their work out an action plan to help rebalance the load.

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• West Midlands
• remote working
• working from home
• Young people