The Making-Box

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK?</a>

Braeden Etienne

It is difficult to create meaningful and joyous shared experiences remotely. Which is why over the last year, we've taken up the challenge of uniting geographically dispersed teams from organizations like Shopify, Google, Loblaws and many more. We believe we've found ways to spark a level of fun and human connection that most don't think possible online. But right now, if you're in Ontario like us, the "return to in-person" is on many people's mind.

In fact, our first in-person training event in 18-months is coming up next week. It’s outside with leaders of a local software company. The organizers asked for our dietary choices for lunch orders - so nice, so unfamiliar...

THE “RETURN” TO OUR “PLACES” OF WORK

This "return" to our “places” of work likely won't be anything like the return after a long holiday. It will be a continuous learning journey of new normals (but likely never normals) and lots of wondering are we allowed to high-five yet?

As humans, we are addicted to certainty but this transition just isn't something we can predict. Think about how your values have shifted over the last year and a half. Now multiply that by how many people you work with. How will you reacquaint yourselves in order to work together effectively now?

Business psychologist, Camille Preston believes we may experience Reverse Cultural Shock upon returning to our places of work and recommends five ways of reducing its potential negative impacts:

  • Assume everyone has changed

  • Invest in rebuilding relationships

  • Make it gradual

  • Empower your team with options

  • Give extra attention to your youngest team members

Camille explores these further here.

If you’re in Ontario with us and have been away from the office, we hope these tips help and wish you welcoming “return” to your “places” of work. Let us know what you learn. We’ll do the same. ❤️

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✨ THREE WAYS WE CAN MAKE MAGIC TOGETHER ✨