Social Distancing does not have to be Social Isolation

Over the past few weeks, we have faced a global biological event of which most living humans have never experienced.  The COVID-19 Virus spread has caused us to rethink our current way of life, from the freedoms and conveniences we are accustom, to the day-to-day way we work.  For most of us, work is where we spend one-third of our lives and the relationships we develop in the workplace are a critical part of our social ecosystem.  Now with school closures: sporting event cancelations; and restrictions on social gatherings greater than 50 people, we are all faced with the reality of redefining how we connect.  

As a strong supporter of social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through work-from-home options, school closures and the like, the reality is this could become the new norm for future outbreaks or just a new way of working.  Either way businesses will have to re-think many of their HR policies and practices as it pertains to leave, work-from-home and overall occupational health and safety practices, just to name a few.  And while many businesses already offer work-from-home options, those that are new to this practice can expect many will feel loneliness and that can seriously affect an employee’s ability to be productive. Compound this with the anxiety during COVID-19 virus uncertainty, and we could easily confuse social distance with social isolation.  

While the prospect of future collective worship, assembly, dining out, dancing, handshaking and hugging, hangs on the outcome of containing and or eliminating the virus, the ability to connect is still present. In this hyper-connected world, technology has made it possible for us to connect; where 20 years ago in the same situation, we could not.  Technologies such as text, email, mobile phone, social applications, video conferencing and many others can and should be used to unite us during this time. 

A colleague and I use apple music to create and share an inspirational playlist of songs to which we both add an encouraging song each morning.  I look forward each morning to getting her song and she mine to start our days.

We have a distinct opportunity to leverage technology during this time not only to stay connected during social distancing; yet, share, encourage, inspire, ideate, collaborate, and show each other how we can stay bonded despite the distance. We have all seen the negativity that can come from social channels. Now is the time to minimize the negativity and leverage technology to support our families, friends and communities

In thinking about creative ways to connect through technology, here is a list below:

Bar / Nightclub closed - Host a virtual cocktail night. Use a technology like Skype or Zoom to get a group together on video.  Perhaps your company will allow the use of their video conferencing applications to have that Friday night after-hours cocktail hour. Turn on some music and dance in your living room at the same time!

Dining out challenge - Host a home meal virtual event.  Send out the recipe ahead of time to allow people to obtain the ingredients and cook together using video conferencing technology.  Use delivery apps like Door Dash and Grub hub for home delivery.  Invite your friends and everyone share what they ordered and describe the meal (should go great with virtual cocktail).

Spiritual Centers Closed - Spiritual studies at home were commonplace before social technology.  Whatever faith or doctrine, virtual group study can help one stay socially connected in their spirituality.  If video is a challenge, open a Facebook group and start a discussion or use Facebook live to read your favorite book, passage or inspiration to start a discussion. 

Working from Home - While this is already a virtual solution one may not realize that the social break or lunch can still take place.  Use your video or IM technology (phone works as well) to take that break and connect on a social level with those colleagues you would normally.  If you are not used to working virtually, schedule time on your calendar to connect. 

For those fortunate enough to be working from home with your significant other, take some time and plan to connect.  It isn’t often we get to have lunch with our loved one during the work week or just go for a walk during a break.   Many employees are also facing daycare challenges, Since working from home allows flexibility in the workday it might be a great opportunity to take a little more time to connect with the children.

The suggestions above are not exhaustive of ways to stay connected and be physically distant from one another, rather a starting point for a discussion on helping each other to supplement the social interactions to which we are accustom. Despite the distance needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we all have the basic human needs of connection and belonging. The simplest action of reaching out through technology can make a significant difference between social distance and isolation. Let's connect!

Ken Pearson is a dynamic, hands-on Human Resource and Technology Executive with over two decades’ success championing complex human resource transformation and building talented teams. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in HR, succession planning, learning and Talent Management. He is highly skilled at designing strategic plans that focus on developing top talent, improving diversity initiatives, and improving overall productivity. His mission is to unlock human potential within individuals and organizations through effective coaching mentoring and experiential learning.