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One related technique that I think works well is to hold "Office Hours" at least once a week. Just schedule a regular meeting, and attend it - then advertise w

One related technique that I think works well is to hold "Office Hours" at least once a week. Just schedule a regular meeting, and attend it - then advertise widely that you are available at that time and that anyone is welcome. It's a great way to foster skip-level interactions, give help to someone who needs it, and just chat. It's really fun when a few people come in at once. Sometimes nobody shows up, and that's fine, too. Give it a try!

anonred 4y ago
I’ve had lackluster results with hosting weekly office hours. A grand total of 2 engineers showed up, both on my direct team, out of 100+ ICs in my org over the course of 2 months. But your mileage will vary depending on workplace culture I suppose.
- samcheng 4y ago
  Honestly I think it works best inter-functionally. Many engineers won't volunteer for a meeting, even (maybe especially) if it's just for chit-chat. Maker's schedule and all that. http://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html http://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html
- arccy 4y ago
  maybe the scope of your direct team is too small, try a combined office hours with several related teams cohosting? at least you have each other to chat to if noone shows up.
wortelefant 4y ago
in weeks with more spontaneous requests I use https://calendly.com/ https://calendly.com/ and put a link in my profile to announce daily meeting slots
Test0129 4y ago
I don't want to be the downer here because this is a common view and my company does this as well. I personally do not have fun in these kinds of meetings. Even if they were held in person. My goal at the end of the day is to finish my work quickly and efficiently and try to get out a little early while meeting my obligations. Typically these chats eat up an hour or more and I end up working longer to make up for it. They are extremely useful for helping newer engineers and answering questions but the "fun" chats tend to be just time consuming noise. It's entirely possible I have a different/maligned view of my relationship with my job but I just don't like giving any more than I have to for something that consumes 40-60 hours a week of my life.
- HeyLaughingBoy 4y ago
  Agree 100%. We used to do this and even if I had fun it was still taking an hour out of my day. Like you, my goal is "get in, get the job done, go home."

anonred 4y ago

I’ve had lackluster results with hosting weekly office hours. A grand total of 2 engineers showed up, both on my direct team, out of 100+ ICs in my org over the course of 2 months. But your mileage will vary depending on workplace culture I suppose.

samcheng 4y ago
Honestly I think it works best inter-functionally. Many engineers won't volunteer for a meeting, even (maybe especially) if it's just for chit-chat. Maker's schedule and all that. http://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html http://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html
arccy 4y ago
maybe the scope of your direct team is too small, try a combined office hours with several related teams cohosting? at least you have each other to chat to if noone shows up.

wortelefant 4y ago

in weeks with more spontaneous requests I use https://calendly.com/ https://calendly.com/ and put a link in my profile to announce daily meeting slots

Test0129 4y ago

I don't want to be the downer here because this is a common view and my company does this as well. I personally do not have fun in these kinds of meetings. Even if they were held in person. My goal at the end of the day is to finish my work quickly and efficiently and try to get out a little early while meeting my obligations. Typically these chats eat up an hour or more and I end up working longer to make up for it. They are extremely useful for helping newer engineers and answering questions but the "fun" chats tend to be just time consuming noise. It's entirely possible I have a different/maligned view of my relationship with my job but I just don't like giving any more than I have to for something that consumes 40-60 hours a week of my life.

HeyLaughingBoy 4y ago
Agree 100%. We used to do this and even if I had fun it was still taking an hour out of my day. Like you, my goal is "get in, get the job done, go home."