We all know how it’s been the past year or more. Since the Covid-19 pandemic started last year; ‘82% of people that were employed did some or all of their work at their workplace’, have transitioned to working in isolation at home. While there are still virtual meetings by Zoom and constant communication by email, it can be hard to keep that real-life connection while working apart. So here are 8 tips on how to keep connected when working remotely.
1. Group chats on your work platform
There are many social platforms in use where work conversations take place – such as Slack, Teams etc. Why not take advantage of those forms of communication and set up or join groups related to your interests? If you’re a freelancer, a lot of these groups can be open on a global scale for anyone to join. Examples of groups are water-cooler chats, book clubs, sports, hobbies etc.
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2. Set up a virtual lunch
If you and your co-workers are working remotely, why not set up a virtual lunch date once a week? A regular lunch date between you and your co-workers can be a great way to unwind, connect and get to know each other. If you and some of your co-workers live locally, you could have an outdoor picnic or go to a local restaurant or café. Make sure to pick a schedule that suits everyone’s work schedules and time-zones.
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3. Have an icebreaker conversation in virtual meetings
Most days it can be the same routine, your team leader sets up a virtual meeting and everyone present launches straight into the agenda to be discussed. A good way to keep connected while working remotely is at the start of the meeting, have a causal icebreaker conversation around a topic.
One great way that I have found to be an icebreaker, is to show your remote/ home office setup to your co-workers at the start of the virtual meeting, especially when you’re with a group of people you haven’t collaborated with before. It can be a great way to get to know the team you’re working with better and they get to know more about you as well.
Topics can include:
- An item in your remote office that holds a significant memory to you
- Hobbies you enjoy outside of work
- An interesting article you have read recently
- Give a virtual tour of your remote office
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4. Join or set up webinars
If you work for an organisation that is involved in webinars, why not join the webinar and get to know the other participants and speakers? There are lots of webinars that allow you to ask the speaker questions through live video or in a text box during the webinar, where you can chat to the other participants at the webinar and make connections.
I have really enjoyed having conversations with the other participants attending the webinar and hearing their insights and views about the speakers or panel.
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5. Celebrate the big and small wins
When you’re working remotely it can be hard to keep track of any achievements you have accomplished professionally, as well as remembering who in your team had a birthday, work anniversary or other occasions. Note these in your calendar and make sure to have a special meeting or day planned for your co-workers celebrating special milestones, professionally and personally.
For me personally, I try to keep track of my co-workers’ birthdays through my calendar and set reminders a week before their birthdays.
Ways to celebrate milestones and achievements are:
- Group video call
- Virtual parties
- Sending congratulations messages via group chat or e-cards
- Send presents via mail or courier
- Share your achievements via LinkedIn or your company website/ work social channel
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6. Learn a new hobby with your co-workers
While you can join a group channel for your interests with others, why not learn a new hobby with one of your co-workers virtually? It’s a great way to keep connected while working remotely with your co-workers and you learn a new skill at the same time – that will help you professionally or just for fun.
Hobbies you can learn virtually:
- Learn a new language through online classes or language fluency apps
- Online cookery classes
- Exercise/workout online classes
- Digital Marketing courses via HubSpot Academy
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7. Have a live virtual co-working session
If you feel isolated working alone day-to-day, why not join a colleague in a virtual co-working session via Zoom or Teams? You can work on your projects and tasks while being able to interact with each other via chat or camera in real time. It’s a great and interpersonal way to keep connected while working remotely.
8. Virtual meditations
If at the end of a stressful work day or a break during the day, why not try a guided mediation? These meditations can be done alone via mindfulness or meditation apps, or an online meditation class, with your co-workers or with people from all over the world. I have completed mediations myself with a co-worker online and I find them a great way to relax, unwind and connect with others in the virtual class. I also connect with myself and my own thoughts and feelings, in a mindful and empowering way.
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In conclusion, there are many ways to keep connected when working remotely. The 8 tips I have outlined above, just scratch the surface of the many ways you can keep connected remotely with your co-workers. I think what is most important in the times we’re in, to keep connections ongoing when apart, is to reach out to other co-workers or freelancers you know around the world and build lasting connections with them through your work or your favourite shared interests. More than ever, the bonds that tie us together keep us in good mental health and wellbeing, with a strong sense of belonging.
Just because you’re working remotely (whether full-time remote working or just temporary), doesn’t mean that online connections can’t be as powerful, meaningful and emotionally fulfilling as face-to-face connections. Even the simplest forms of online communication, like email, texting, or a catch-up chat on a virtual call, can go a long way to help you keep connected to your co-workers when working remotely.