Oregon Health and Sciences University’s (OHSU) former Executive Associate Dean of Nursing, Devon Berry, RN, PhD has over a decade of leadership and nursing experience. He has held executive positions at academic centers of higher education across the country including Cedarville University, Wright State University, and University of Cincinnati.
Devon Berry has years of experience working on a team and understands the importance of social interaction, especially when working from home. As the pandemic has required many to work from home, fitting in social time can be tricky, but there are a few creative ways to engage with others to keep morale up through uncertain times. Read on for tips on how to socialize while working remotely.
Lunch Break Together
Many have gotten used to working through lunch and eating at their desk. Now is a great time to give that habit a rest—was it very productive anyway? Whether with your immediate family, housemates, or virtually with a colleague, eating with others on your lunch break gets your eyes off a screen and gives your mind a break from tasks at hand. You may even return to work refreshed.
Walk and Talk
If you go for a walk or coffee break, schedule a short call with a friend or catch up with a colleague via cell. Making your break social can be a better alternative than scrolling through your phone and adding more screen time.
Take Things Offline
Social media promises connection, but often gives the opposite. Though counterintuitive, research has found that social media can be linked to loneliness. If you want to connect with others, try scheduling distanced in-person meetings or at least video calls. Those interactions are more likely to give you a sense of belonging than virtually liking a photo.
Devon Berry 