Teams on lockdown don’t have to feel isolated from their coworkers. Beyond the video conferences, texting, and emails, there are ways to connect people, build morale, and foster camaraderie. Until your teams return to face-to-face interaction, these activities will go a long way toward keeping your people connected.
1. Set Up a Team Website to Connect People
Whether it’s a Facebook page, a blogging platform like WordPress, or a link to your corporate URL, a team website could be a place to share ideas, stories, photographs – anything that celebrates the common goals and unique personalities of the team. The website is your virtual water cooler, team outing, and coffee bar rolled into one, and provides the platform for many of the connecting activities below.
2. Motivate People to Move
We’re not talking calisthenics here. Encourage people to step away from the screen every day and take a walk around the block or a hike on a nature trail. Invite them to post pictures of their outings on the team website suggested above. To keep people motivated, set up a buddy system where two or more people can walk together through FaceTime or WhatsApp.
3. Create Story Tellers
Storytelling was the earliest form of connecting people and it remains one of the most powerful. Everyone has a story about their personal experience with the lockdown, whether it’s overcoming a challenge, experiencing the kindness of strangers, or experiencing a funny incident. Look at the stories in themoth.org for examples of short stories your team members can tell that entertain, inspire, and enlighten.
4. Start a Charitable Drive
Pick a charity and start a competition among team members for donations. Set up a point system for non-perishable items for a food bank, classroom supplies for a school, bedding and food for animal shelters, toiletry items for a nursing home. The winning team member could win a prize like a gift card to a meal delivery service.
5. Share Your Talents
Use your Facebook page or website to allow your team members to share their interests and talents. Consider a photography or art show. Or invite team members to post videos of talents and hobbies in which they shine: music performances, classes in cooking, and crafts.
6. Get Playful
Board games don’t have to be face to face. There are plenty of classic games like Monopoly, Clue, and Uno that have been modified for a virtual competition. Click here for ideas!
If your team uses this lockdown time to have purposeful fun together, they will return to the workplace with stronger bonds, a greater appreciation for each other, and a renewed commitment to their shared mission.
Group Dynamix Shares Tips for Staying Connected
The entire Group Dynamix Team hopes that everyone is staying connected during social distancing and sheltering in place. For more tips, check out our Teaming Tips to Connect page with more tips on staying connected and strong during the COVID-19 crisis.
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