Remote work has made focusing and productivity difficult for some workers, but a new online co-worker could solve that problem.
Key Details
- Virtual coworking sessions can help employees feel less lonely in their home office and promote more productivity.
- This practice, known as parallel working or body doubling, is growing in popularity online as employees join virtual work sessions with strangers.
- Some watch pre-recorded work sessions such as those on the YouTube channel StudyMD. Others join live with streamers such as TikToker Nicole Onyia.
Why it’s news
Working from home comes with new adjustments and challenges for employees. Having a virtual coworker can help hold some workers accountable for getting work done. This method can be beneficial for many, The Hustle reports.
While virtual coworkers are somewhat new, many find that the real-world version of working in a library or coffee shop can have a similar effect.
Virtual coworkers are clearly in demand as more than 100,000 viewers tune in to watch live streams from Onjia, and more than 462,000 subscribers log on to watch “study with me” videos through StudyMD.
A few startups are latching onto this idea and building a business. Through these businesses, users can log on and find a virtual companion to work alongside them. Sometimes these sessions can include activities outside of work, such as doing chores, working out, or completing a hobby.
Here are a few of the startups. . .
- Flown provides company for those looking to do guided breathwork, deep[work blocks, productivity rituals, and more.
- Focusmate is one virtual community that extends beyond work. Members of Focusmate can clean their room, book a flight, or play an instrument alongside a virtual partner.
- Flow Club is more goal-oriented than some of its peers. Members selected timed work sessions where they go over goals with meeting hosts and complete their objectives within the time limits.
- Caveday has a more social feel with one- to three-hour guided sessions with virtual coworkers.
