Option 1: Create a Different Avenue
So how do we remedy this? Recreating those water-cooler moments from afar takes a different type of intentionality and level of planning. In the article “Four Ways to Spark Water Cooler Moments for Your Remote Team,” Forbes Magazine recommends:
“More neutral online spaces, where no one has strong ownership or plays a role in facilitating conversation, are ideal for reducing isolation and enabling genuine dialogue. To encourage genuine connection and build a strong community, consider creating company channels like a WhatsApp group, Slack channel, or an online message board where people can post about non-work topics and share commentary when they’re feeling inspired to” (Howland 2021).
Encourage your colleagues and employees to experiment with different avenues of less formal chats, from video chats to instant-messaging platforms: Everyone is going to have different preferences - which can be discussed around the virtual water-cooler!
In April’s newsletter, we'll discuss Option 2.