What’s next for remote workers? A virtual ‘water cooler’
Lack of connection has been a constant issue for remote workers, but a slate of new apps promises to make social interactions easier no matter where employees are. Will people gather in the virtual breakroom? Credit: Dreamstime
For all of the successes of the pandemic-forced shift to remote work, replicating the casual interactions that happen naturally in the office the impromptu team lunch, informal hallway chat, or a quick strategy session by the coffee machine has been a lot harder when working from home.
These seemingly innocuous conversations and connections can benefit both workers and employers, improving wellbeing, sparking innovation and even boosting productivity. A growing number of start-ups such as Donut and Tandem are now looking to connect remote colleagues more effectively with “water cooler” and “virtual office” style apps to address the disconnection many workers feel.
Thinkstock / Margarita Lyr / Getty Images
For all of the successes of the pandemic-forced shift to remote work, replicating the casual interactions that happen naturally in the office the impromptu team lunch, informal hallway chat, or a quick strategy session by the coffee machine has been a lot harder when working from home.
These seemingly innocuous conversations and connections can benefit both workers and employers, improving wellbeing, sparking innovation and even boosting productivity. A growing number of start-ups such as Donut and Tandem are now looking to connect remote colleagues more effectively with “watercooler” and “virtual office” style apps to address the disconnection many workers feel.