We’re just over a week into the national lockdown caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Everyone is learning a new rhythm of life and starting to settle in. But for some it might feel like the days are blending into one another and that cabin fever is creeping in. The fact that we’re beginning to miss our co-workers is not a strange concept. We spend the largest portion of our days with them so there’s bound to be a special bond that forms.
While some of us are only just getting used to the work-from-home routine, others know this to be the norm. But whatever your current working situation, we can all rally around the idea that we miss human interaction – apart from our immediate families.
We thought we’d share just some of the things we miss most about our co-workers while working from home.
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We miss office banter with co-workers
Oh how we miss chatting about the latest series on Netflix. Voicing our incredibly poised arguments in favour of, or in utter disapproval of, the director’s choice of music or actors. How we could just look up from our screens and ask someone a question and get an immediate answer. Or having a conversation about what a celebrity posted on their Instagram feed. Or a case of injustice in the world.
But the overarching sentiment that our banter is rooted in is our care for one another. A care for shared human experience and the desire to know what someone else thinks.
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We miss routine
Although there’s no denying that change is often difficult and contested, we also know that it can be good for us. We can choose to have an optimistic attitude about the situation the world finds itself in. We can allow new routines and rhythms to be formed. Routines where you can attest that you have come out of these 21 days of lockdown stronger and more grateful than before.
With that being said, we still miss our work routines. Waking up at the same time everyday and hoping to get that workout in before driving to work. Trying not to get frustrated in traffic and rather using the time as an opportunity to listen to our favourite podcast or radio station.
We miss having people to talk to who understand
Yes we have our partners, friends and family but… there’s no one like a co-worker to share in your joy, indifference or frustration. It’s having this shared experience that helps us as humans to bond. Not needing to explain, reexplain or give context as to what exactly we’re talking about. There’s also no one like a co-worker to talk you down from doing something irrational, helping you realise that things aren’t that bad and that everything is going be fine.
We miss finding out what everyone is having for lunch
We all know what it’s like. There comes a point in the day when all sorts of smells start wafting around the office. Some of them delicious, others incredibly indistinct. After commenting on the various smells, conversation would turn to what everyone is having for lunch. Be it a perfectly toasted sandwich from the office canteen or the leftovers from that Jamie Oliver traybake recipe you made for dinner. Not to mention when treats are being shared on certain days (think deadline). Doughnuts and croissants, anyone?
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And the catch-up chats as we make our 5th cup of coffee…
Some of the greatest chats with co-workers happen in the limbo between debating that teaspoon of sugar you’re adding to your coffee and waiting for your chance to get the milk. It’s these 5-minute swift conversations that can break up a long and stressful day, bringing a smile to your face.
We’re looking forward to when things start to return to normal, but in the meantime while lockdown is our reality, here are some great apps to stay in touch with your work family.
3 must-have apps for staying in touch with your co-workers
1. Zoom
The surge in Zoom users is something no one could have predicted. Instead of using Zoom for daily work meetings only, why not introduce a Zoom happy hour? All you need is a glass of something cold and your favourite co-workers.
2. Houseparty
A face-to-face social network. Download the app, and let your friends be notified when you’re in the ‘house’. We love that it is an interactive option where you can play games on screen with friends.
3. Marco Polo
Marco Polo is perfect for keeping in touch with that co-worker who never has time to chat. With this app you can leave a video message for the recipient to watch at a time which is convenient for them. They can then reply to your message with their own video.
What are some of the things you miss about being in an office environment? Let us know in the comments below.
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By Features Writer Andrea Cresswell
