Staying Connected with the Circle
Today, it’s impossible to turn on the television, read a news article, or even open an email without some mention of coronavirus. In the era of social distancing, working remotely has become the new norm for so many - including those of us at Scott Circle Communications.
For a team that thrives on collaboration, it’s critical that we manage to stay connected and productive, even when we’re apart. Luckily, we have an arsenal of digital tools at our disposal that enables us to keep the lines of communication open. It’s also important that during these times when we are so digitally connected, that we find moments for ourselves to step away from the computer, too.
Below are some of our team’s favorite tips and tricks to navigate this time. What are some of your preferred ways to both connect and disconnect? Share your thoughts with us over on social media @ScottCircle!
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LAURA
Connect: My computer. Sounds simple, but I need a full set up - not a phone, not an iPad. I need to be able type thoughtful messages with a keyboard and have multiple apps open at once too.
Disconnect: I have been enjoying some fresh air and going for walks with my family at the end of the day. There’s another thing that has made me laugh though - watching Seinfeld clips on Instagram. There’s some great accounts to follow that post mostly relevant videos every day (i.e. Can you spare a square?). There’s @seinfeldbigfan, @seinboy, @seinfld.toronto, @seinfeldepisodes @seinfeldfullhd, @seinfeld_newyork.
KELLIE
Connect: Like early 90’s one hit wonders Wreckx-n-Effects, “All I want to do is zoom-a-zoom-zoom-zoom.” Scott Circle is a highly collaborative team. We take energy from each other and I simply can’t imagine staying as productive and connected as we have been without Zoom. Pre-pandemic, I was an audio-only kinda Zoomer. Now I’m all about the video because I crave seeing the faces of our incredible team. It helps me stay distanced, but not isolated. I love how our team’s sense of humor has been able to come through with the technology, as well. We’re having a lot of fun with reaction emojis, virtual backdrops and a Zoom-inspired bingo game.
Disconnect: On rainy days when it’s namaste- inside for me, Yoga with Adriene keeps me moving and centered. She has videos for all levels, bodies and ages, including some specialized sessions like yoga for writers and tension relief. After presidential press conferences, I particularly enjoy her lovely short guided meditations for anxiety.
DEE
Connect: Using video chat features has been helpful in keeping the lines of communication open, not only with clients, but also friends and family. It’s always helpful to be face to face (or screen to screen), so that you pick up on non-verbal cues you might not have otherwise noticed. It’s also made me realize I should have been utilizing these tools to stay in better touch with people I don’t see in person on a regular basis!
Disconnect: On days where there are lots of meetings, I sometimes find that I have barely gotten up from my chair. In an effort to get away from the computer screen (and not just plop down in front of the TV or scroll through my phone) and to not become totally sedentary, I have started taking walks outside and exploring the neighborhood (bonus: I just learned that there is literally a trail down the street from me, who knew?!). Also, the sheer amount of Instagram virtual concerts available is amazing.
LAUREN
Connect: I live alone, so I’ve tried to be very intentional about scheduling time to see my friends and my mom… remotely, that is. Playing games on the House Party app (which I strongly recommend downloading!) and propping up my phone to chat while cooking dinner has been really helpful for staying sane and in touch with the people I care about.
Disconnect: I’m a serious reader and definitely one of the DC Public Library’s biggest champions, so I’m trying to keep my Kindle docket full with engrossing novels and non-fiction stories, like The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, and Station Eleven (because now seemed like the right time for a story about life after society collapses from a pandemic).
DANIELLA
Connect: Sticking to a routine is vital for me to survive social distancing and work for home - my morning news podcast (The Daily) that usually accompanies me on my commute to work, is now helping me get ready for work … it’s always on while I make coffee and settle into my desk setup!
Disconnect: Not to sound like a sponsored ad but The Marco Polo app has truly been a helpful piece of technology. It is a fun idea (video voicemails) and a different way to connect and actually see my friends and family’s faces and hear their voices during this time of social distancing.
ELIZABETH
Connect: All staff Zoom check-ins have been my favorite way to stay connected. It is so comforting to see everyone’s faces and share fun updates because one of the hardest parts about social distancing is not being able to spend time with my coworkers everyday. A quick ten minute chat in the morning is a great way to start the day/week and a helpful reminder that we are all in this together!
Disconnect: I like looking at the horses at the farm outside my window when I need a break from staring at my screen. I’m scared of horses but they are nice from a distance.
MATHESON
Connect: We created new channels on Slack for both collaboration and camaraderie. Our WFH (Work From Home) channel is the new ‘water cooler’ and helps keep us feeling like an office - we share meal inspiration, countless GIFs, updates and content to keep our spirits up throughout the day. Our existing client channels continue to be collaborative, and was a system that was already in place that has helped us ease into our new normal.
Disconnect: My dog Zola. She is an excuse to go for a walk at least twice a day, and has helped keep me closer to my regular routine. Getting out of the house with Zola after a day inside in front of a screen is always a good start to the evening. [editor’s note: A surprise Zola appearance on a video call is an especially fun treat for the rest of the team too!]
DANI
Connect: I’ve been using Slack the most to connect with my team. Through messaging, audio calls, and even video calls, I have been able to connect with everyone almost as if we were in the office. I also found that after seeing everyone, I feel more motivated to be productive.
Disconnect: I started a book club with my boyfriend’s kids as a way to disconnect online but connect more with my loved ones. We all chose some books that we’d like to discuss and put them in a large cup, and we've taken turns choosing a book randomly. We’re currently on The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.