COVID-19 has created many changes in the way companies operate. One of the biggest has been the transition to virtual work. While working from home, our associates have gotten creative with how they stay connected to their teammates.

Without the ability to see each other in the office every day, our marketing development team has created their own ways to stay connected, both during and after work. John M., a marketing development supervisor, understands the need for connectivity. They use a chat program to interact about both work and social topics. He encourages some off-topic conversations to keep their minds moving all day.

Before the pandemic, the web development team would get together on Friday nights and play video games. Now, they still stay connected virtually by playing online games after work hours. They’ve also done some social-distancing friendly activities, including kayaking and disc golf. Sometimes, they meet for lunch at local restaurants too. The team enjoys meeting face-to-face because it helps make teammates more comfortable with each other and decreases nerves when approaching each other with work questions.

It also helps get new people, who started virtually, like Alex, involved with the team.

Alex joined the web development team in May. His first day on the job didn’t even require going into the office! His advice for anybody starting a career virtually is, “Keep an open mind and ask a lot of questions. Your new teammates will understand the strange circumstances and be happy to help. I really look forward to seeing the company culture and working in a full office when everybody comes back in though.”

Although they’ve run into a few bumps with remote work, the marketing development team has embraced the new environment and is thriving.