From weekly video chats to team meetings, here’s how you can bring staying in touch to the next level in all aspects of life.
Personal
Social distancing doesn’t have to be lonely. Get creative with how you keep in contact with your friends, family and acquaintances.
1. Virtual Happy Hours
Do you miss getting together with your friends to enjoy some wine and snacks while you catch up? You can still do that virtually. Download Zoom or Skype on your computer or phone. If everyone is using an Apple device, you can also use FaceTime.
Then, simply dive into the conversation while you enjoy your drinks of choice. Whether you spend an hour catching up or stay connected until late in the evening, you’ll be maintaining those ever-important social connections.
2. Game, Movie Nights, Birthdays
There are a ton of options for gamers out there. Platforms like JackBox Games offer a variety of things you can play while chatting over the phone or through a video call. Another popular game app is Houseparty, which allows you to play fun games on your screen while video chatting.
If games aren’t your thing, you can download Netflix Party, which is now called Teleparty. This extension on your browser lets you and your friend sync up and watch a movie or TV show from Netflix at the same time.
If you have birthdays during this time (at almost a year of Pandemic we have all celebrated one just about), be creative and look into ways to involve others while still maintaining your distance.
3. Virtual Tours
Though traveling isn’t the safest bet during the pandemic, you can still go to countless places in the world with your friends. Virtual tours have become a popular resource during quarantines — you can visit zoos, parks and museums from the comfort of your own home.
Google Arts & Culture emerged at the beginning of stay-at-home orders and lockdowns and has been holding strong ever since. Explore other countries and museums with just a few clicks. You and your friends or family can get lost in the wonders.
Professional
Life can’t be fun and games all the time. You likely need to keep in touch with your co-workers and supervisors during the day. Here are some of the best ways to do that.
4. New Platforms
The transition from in-person to remote work was rough for some businesses and employees. Some people can now return to the office, but spikes and waves of COVID-19 may change that again.
Using platforms for communication is essential. Creating a Google G-Suite for the office keeps everything in one place. You can also use Slack to create different chat channels — for instance, the HR department can have one, and the marketing team can have another. Then, use Zoom or Google Meet to host meetings.
5. More Collaboration
In-person communication is essential for things to run smoothly. That becomes a bit harder when working from home. To make up for this difference, you can focus on collaborating more with your co-workers.
You can use software and systems to foster this collaborative environment. Some systems, like Xenon Editor, allow you to have access to several projects at once. You can focus on your own tasks while still contributing to the bigger picture. Everyone works together in real-time, just like in real life.
6. Virtual Networking
One of the best parts about working remotely is that new opportunities to network are popping up in creative ways. You can attend webinars or virtual events, which is a great way to connect with your colleagues, as well as meet new contacts.
You can always organize a game night or video chat hangout after work or during breaks.
Distant, but Still Connected
Each of these steps provides you with the tools and know-how you need to stay in touch with everyone in your life. The pandemic is difficult to endure — staying in touch is one way to power through it.
BY TECHIE MAMMA