Safe to say 2020 hasn’t been exactly what we all had in mind... Times are tough and incredibly strange at the moment, there is no doubt about that. The best thing we can do in these times, is stay connected. Whether it’s with our colleagues, friends or family, it’s important that we continue to communicate and support each other. Everyone has their own way of doing things, so we have put together TIL’s Top 5 Ways To Stay Connected.
1. KITCHEN CHAT
Although most of us aren’t physically in our work offices, this doesn’t mean we need to miss out on the friendly banter that occurs in the kitchen. Scheduling a 15-30 minute virtual coffee break allows you to check in with your fellow colleagues and change up the chat to something that isn’t work related. So set a time with your team, grab a cup of tea and your favourite biscuit and have a friendly catch-up, just like the old days!
2. SETTING COVID-19 BOUNDARIES
It’s responsible to stay updated on the latest events worldwide when it comes to Covid-19 aka “you know what”, but sometimes in order to create a sense of normalcy, boundaries can be put in place around “you know what” related discussion. Creating a message group for “you know what” chat allows people who want to talk about it to have a dedicated space for discussion, and allows others to carry on their day without any unwanted “you know what” distraction.
3. HEALTHY COMPETITION
Whether it’s virtual chess, Words with Friends or your latest Strava PB, there are many ways to inject a little competition into your new work life. Purchasing of boardgames has soared over the past months due to the increase in game nights within households, so why not spice things up with your colleagues as well with a little healthy competition.
4. VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR
Missing your Friday drinks with your work mates? We know we are! There’s nothing stopping your from recreating your Friday Happy Hour virtually. There’s something special about chatting with a friend over a drink at the end of the week, perhaps you could try and recreate some of your favourite cocktails each week? Whatever your drink choice, it’s these little moments of normal that we should try our best to maintain.
5. WORKOUT TIME
You may see the heading “workout time” and immediately roll your eyes, but we’re not suggesting completing a 45 minute sweat session (unless you’re into that kind of thing). Just a light living-room move around is what we are talking about. Mid-morning or before lunch you could take a 15 minute break and have a virtual exercise session, a different team member could lead the session each day. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous, just something to get your body moving.
From the team here at TIL, we hope you are staying safe and well. Life definitely isn’t normal at the moment, but it’s important to create some “normal moments” in our day, to keep ourselves on track.