Are video calls always the answer?
In the last few weeks, we have seen organisations step up to accept, encourage and set their teams up for success with great working from home initiatives, tools, tips, genuine flexibility. At first, it seemed unrealistic to see teams of people work together yet separately and achieve the same results. Yet, for many teams this has indeed started to be the new reality. With plenty of education, support and a video schedule to match, individuals all over the world have quickly adapted to the new way of working. Or at least, adopted this new way of working as best they can.
Video technology has certainly made things easier - to feel connected to both our work colleagues, our family and even to our friends, with just about every interaction requiring us to be in front of a screen and in a lot of cases in front of a camera. And while this may be difficult for those of us that are camera shy, human beings have a way to adapt and fit in - it’s our pull towards being part of a community, the backbone of human behaviour that enables us to push through our fears and join the crowd.
But... are video calls always the answer?
I wonder if we will lose our ability to interact physically? And how can we ensure we don’t?
Replicating the environment that we once called ‘normal’ may be an easy way to start to keep our social skills up and at the same time escape the boredom of selfies.
When talking to work on video, sit a table like you would at work, get dressed accordingly to the people you are talking to and keep meetings focused
When talking to family, have your camera set up so they can see your whole room, maybe chat while you are cooking a meal or reading a story to your children before bed
When socialising with friends, set up a dinner party, or a bar area with drinks and all play the same playlist.
Appreciating the differences we have as people, and in particular our different ways of working is critical to supporting each other and continuing to be respectful and kind.
Not everyone you work with will want to dress up for team drinks via video, not everyone in your circle of friends will want to be on camera 24/7, not all students will want to use technology for all learning.
At some point, everyone needs a break from video, at some point we all need a break from the screen and prefer instead to talk to those closest to us, those we are lucky enough to share a home with.
Enjoy the time we do have with loved ones and continue to find and share ways to ‘Find Your Vibe’.
Write a post it note for yourself somewhere you might see it every day with this simple diagram and remember to keep your spirits high and ‘Find Your Vibe’.
Written by Evelyn G Jackson, CEO of Find My Meaning.