How to Stay Connected When We’re Apart

23 Apr 2020 by Keith Elder

TODO - fix links

Working from home takes time to adjust to. We’re now in week six of working from home as a company.

While most have likely adjusted to a new daily routine, one thing that can be hard to adjust to is the lack of office socializing. Hallway conversations, smiling faces, laughter and other social interactions bring us together and make us feel more connected as a team. But just because we’re apart, it doesn’t mean we can’t be together.RemoteSocial_PullQuote

I’ve been working remotely for more than 15 years, so I have a lot of experience with staying engaged and close with my teams throughout the years. Here are some things you and your team can try to keep up the comradery, laughter and hallway conversation.

Microsoft Teams, our tool for video conferences, calls and chatting can be so much more, if we think about it. It’s a gathering place. It can be our virtual watercooler, cafeteria, restaurant and pub. We can adapt it in a variety of different ways. Here are some ideas to try with your team:

Teams Lunch
Have lunch with a team member(s) or friend(s) over teams. There’s something comforting about sharing a meal with someone. Whoever you would normally have lunch with in the office, invite them to lunch virtually. If you’ve been working at home for an extended period of time, there’s no better time to grow your network. It’s a great way to take advantage of the new R&R policy encouraging a 30-minute to an hour break during lunch.

Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Our team has been sharing puzzles and brain teasers occasionally during lunch to pass the time. If you find one, post it to your Team’s channel at the start of lunch. Only reveal the answer at the end of lunch, no matter how much they beg!

Games
There are several online games you can play that only require a web browser. In some cases, you can use your cell phone as the game controller. Here are two I recommend for getting started. Already tried these? You can find more ideas on the Remote Experience Team Member Resource Network (TMRN) Wiki.

Drawasaurus – This online game tests your quick-drawing and visual thinking skills. It allows you to create your own private area to play with your team. Once everyone connects, one person is tasked each round with drawing one of three words given. Others type their answer and receive points for how quickly they get it right.
AirConsole - Want to race your team members? AirConsole has several games to select from. Be sure your cellphone is charged up, as it will become your controller!
Virtual Happy Hour
Teams makes a great virtual pub. Invite friends and team members to a virtual happy hour after work to catch up. This is a great way to unwind after work and keep those connections going. Plus, it’s a great time to try one of the games listed above!

Virtual Drive-By
Pick one team member each day and reach out to them. Use this as a quick touch base to check in on each other. Minimally, this can be just a chat conversation, but you can increase your engagement by jumping on a quick video call. If you’re struggling with who to reach out to, think about who you would normally bump into in the hallways, kitchen, cafeteria, elevator or parking garage.

Virtual Watercooler
Teams offers a great way to connect with team members who share a common interest. Through various public teams, you can find a wealth of knowledge and shared experiences. I’ve put together a list of a variety of teams that cover many topics. I’m sure there are others, so if you have a public team similar to those below, please share it in the comments!

Sports:

Rock Runners– A group dedicated to running.
Focus Sports & Leagues– Organize a game or join in a game.
FOC Hockey Chat– A group all about hockey. (Some say, the only sport worth watching.)
Food:

Team Spicy– A group that believes hot peppers should be in every meal. The hotter the better.
BBQ + Smoking – Learn grilling tips and recipes. It’s all about the smoke.
Gaming:

[Community] PC Gaming - Stay up-to-date on popular games and gaming hardware. Share your custom builds.
World of Warcraft – Join a guild, talk strategy and stay up-to-date on new releases.
[Community] Nintendo – Stay up-to-date on new games, tips and tricks.
Other Communities:

[Community] Paparazzi – Discusses anything related to photography and video.
[Community] QL Brew Crew – Beer! Beer! Beer! Beer! Beer!
[Community] Cars – For the auto enthusiasts.
[Community] IoT – Share and discuss info about the Internet of Things.
[Community] Home Automation – Learn how to automate your home and hear from those who can help get you started.
[Community] Mac Users – All things Apple-related.
[Community] POGs – I’m told this needs no introduction.
FOC Woodworkers – Learn the skill of woodworking.
Total You Community – Checkout the various channels on recipes, running, finance, workouts and more.
Team Member Pet Pics – A favorite among team members. Share your favorite pet pics!
I hope some of these tips can help you to stay connected while you’re working from home. Do you have other tips or favorite Teams communities that help you keep in touch? If so, share them in the comments!