It’s been nearly a year since the world came to a standstill due to COVID-19. A year filled with mask-wearing, social distancing, and adapting to remote work. For those fortunate enough to still be employed, this period has highlighted our ability to do almost anything—but that doesn’t mean we should be expected to do it all.
Having worked from home for over seven years, the transition for me was mainly about adjusting to having my child at home as well. While this has been a significant change, the remote work aspect was not new to me. I enjoy the convenience of rolling out of bed and being at my office in seconds. I appreciate managing my tasks without constant oversight and communicating with clients primarily via email.
For me, being a work-from-home parent strikes the perfect balance, allowing me to pursue my professional passions while maintaining the flexibility I need for my family. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. Many of my friends have struggled with the shift to remote work. They long for the peace of their office environment, uninterrupted time, and the camaraderie of colleagues. The separation between work and home life, which helped them maintain a healthier work-life balance, is sorely missed.
Rachel Cargle, a prominent public academic and social entrepreneur, understands these challenges and has implemented a “no meeting Friday” policy at her company. In a recent Instagram post, she elaborated on this initiative, coining the term “humane scheduling.”
This term may be new to many, but it shouldn’t be—every workplace should aim to treat employees with kindness and consideration. Cargle explained, “As we work from home, Zoom meetings seem to be back to back. In the past, we would never have this expectation of each other, especially when there are so many other factors influencing our lives outside of work (pandemic anxiety, caregiving responsibilities, witnessing ongoing social injustices).”
Fridays are designated for completing tasks discussed in meetings, allowing for rest, creative thinking, and organization. Cargle encourages us to rethink what “normal” looks like, reminding us that traditional work structures may not serve our well-being.
This refreshing perspective emphasizes that employees shouldn’t finish a long workweek burdened with unfinished tasks or facing a weekend filled with stress. With remote work becoming more commonplace, it’s crucial for companies to acknowledge and address the unique challenges of blending work and home life. Implementing policies like no-meeting Fridays is one way to reshape our understanding of work-life balance, granting employees the freedom to unwind and recharge.
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Summary:
Rachel Cargle’s concept of ‘humane scheduling’ advocates for a more compassionate approach to work, particularly in the context of remote working during the pandemic. Her policy of “no meeting Fridays” allows employees the time to complete tasks, rest, and foster creativity without the stress of back-to-back meetings. This initiative encourages a reevaluation of traditional work structures to better support employee well-being, ultimately striving for a healthier work-life balance.
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