Remote work opportunities were growing before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Now, many people have first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work from home.
<p>While <a href="https://www.workitdaily.com/tips-working-from-home" target="_blank">working from home</a> is certainly possible with the right mindset and strategies, there are still times when you just need to have fun. Most well-run remote workforces schedule multiple virtual meetings throughout the week to discuss business. It's also important to keep things light.</p><p>Here are some ways to do just that:<br></p>
Virtual Breakfast
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjkwOTg3OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMzY4NzI3M30.izvafq6fZq2hY5yQka8YNFIFEih9ULUsU7AZQhn4buc/img.jpg?width=980" id="c5d86" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cfa1a096e03fa151022d897a684e2020" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Young professional eats breakfast while talking to co-workers on the computer." /><p>Enjoy a virtual breakfast with some co-workers roughly 30 minutes before the start of the workday. This is a great opportunity to ease into the workday and achieve some normalcy.</p><p>In an office environment, it's not uncommon to sip some coffee in the break room prior to the start of the day or while on break, so the virtual breakfast takes the place of that.</p><p>The virtual breakfast is a great way to discuss the day ahead and exchange ideas. It's also a good time to catch up on life and discuss any random thing. ("Hey, did you catch the game last night?")</p><p><strong>Kick the day off with some human interaction and set a positive tone for the day.</strong></p>Playing Games Virtually
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjkwOTg5Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMjk5ODQ4N30.W6XiY2KnrmR2tcaK55ZQ3CWTiGBIrdcM1cY1FLjoZZg/img.jpg?width=980" id="93b01" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e6cb3d13f5a21b7fdc8de16cb5473f51" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Remote workforce meets to play a quick game." /><p>Depending on the size of your remote workforce, this is something that can be done with the entire company, or with teams. The goal is to set a time to bring the remote workforce together and play a game.</p><p>Some workforces will schedule this for after work, while others may use their lunch periods or schedule another break within the workday. There's plenty of flexibility with this.</p><p>Popular games for remote workforces to participate in include trivia challenges, pictionary, charades, and guessing facts about co-workers. The possibilities for games are endless.</p><p><strong>Playing games with your remote co-workers is not only a good way to have fun, but it's also good for team building and getting to know your co-workers better.</strong></p>Virtual Happy Hour
<div style="width:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:55%;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/ZJW8I331ACj28" width="100%" height="100%" style="position:absolute" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/dancing-steve-buscemi-the-wedding-singer-ZJW8I331ACj28">via GIPHY</a></p><p>Happy hour is a common practice in most traditional workplaces. Co-workers will get together after work at a nearby bar, and share stories over a few drinks. The virtual happy hour is the same concept, except you're enjoying your drinks and stories at home over a computer.</p><p>Whether you work in a traditional or remote workforce, perhaps nothing screams normalcy more than having a few drinks with co-workers. This is one reason why virtual happy hours are becoming more popular.</p><p>Most importantly, it's just another opportunity for human connection. Workers new to the remote workforce as a result of the coronavirus crisis may <a href="https://www.workitdaily.com/stay-positive-during-covid-19" target="_blank">struggle at first</a> with the lack of connection throughout the day. <strong>Virtual happy hour is a way to unwind and reconnect with co-workers that you're used to seeing every day.</strong></p>Virtual Clubs
<div style="width:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:51%;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/nDvtwMcHnKlJC" width="100%" height="100%" style="position:absolute" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/vr-gear-insider-nDvtwMcHnKlJC">via GIPHY</a></p><p>The general theme of this entire post is that most things can be done virtually. So, employee resource groups or specialty clubs, like book and podcast clubs, can be done by computer.</p><p>Virtual movie parties are another potential after work activity that co-workers can take part in. While it may not necessarily make your workforce stronger, it's a fun way to come together and share laughs in a non-pressure environment.</p><p>There are several <a href="https://www.techhive.com/article/3533434/how-to-host-netflix-amazon-hulu-disney-and-youtube-watch-parties.html" target="_blank">software programs available</a> that allow groups of people to watch movies together and share reactions and conversation. It's not an activity for everyone, but it could be amusing.</p><p>The number of virtual activities that co-workers can take part in are limitless if you're creative enough. These fun activities are important to the vitality of the remote workforce.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>How does your remote workforce have fun? Tell <a href="https://www.workitdaily.com/what-businesses-can-learn-covid-19/employer-wid-champion-program-highlight" target="_self">Work It Daily</a> your story!</strong></p><p><strong><strong>Looking for a job? We can help! Join our <a href="https://workitdaily.lpages.co/pricing/" target="_blank">career growth club</a> today!</strong></strong></p><p><strong><strong><br></strong></strong></p>
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