One of the most important elements in the workplace is being productive. However, for an individual to get work done, it will need a network of connected coworkers to help him reach any particular goals. So we should ask ourselves how we can connect remote teams and coworkers together? For example, is having an open workspace a positive for team building? Can employees simply bond by being around each other? This brings us onto the concept of the “virtual water cooler.”
Simply put, a virtual water cooler is an online version of real water cooler chat. And water cooler chat is when workers take a short break and socialise. Traditionally, they would stand around the water cooler and discuss everything from their personal lives to the projects they are working on. Chatting around the water cooler with coworkers allows for everyone to be refreshed and gives them a chance to reconnect.
Any Chance To Connect Will Do
By using the term “water cooler” we don't mean that you need a real water cooler to be able to experience water cooler chat. Any social activity will do. Anywhere that employees can get together, whether making coffee, waiting for the printing machine, or on a lunch break. Being physically present in an office environment will give plenty of time for those all important casual conversations and casual bonding.
Unfortunately, the covid pandemic has proved a huge disruptor. Many companies were able to adapt to remote work. This meant continuing organic conversations was going to be more of a challenge. Without the workplace watercolor, then what was going to take its place in order to allow employees opportunities to connect. And with many feeling disconnected by the drag of being homebound, it becomes even more essential that workers can reconnect easily and openly, and communicate with each other.
Hence we have the remote version; a virtual water cooler. With this people can bond in very similar ways by using apps on the laptops. Of course, it's not going to be the same as person-to-person communication in a physical office. To be honest, in some ways it's all rather more structured and less natural. But nevertheless it does still offer an opportunity for spontaneity. To this end, there's no need to stop the conversation simply because you're working from home and there is a physical distance between you and your workmates.
Why Is It Important?
A number of important mental and emotional elements that make communication important. Not just the formal business meetings, but the casual meet and greet. The simple conversations about almost nothing.The first of these is the sense of belonging. With the Covid Pandemic lockdown, so many employees felt very isolated, And probably for the first time in their lives. So having a virtual water cooler, with a truly open communication channel for all team members, will help provide camaraderie and a feeling of being part of a group. The fact that people are separated by considerable distance, and spend their days on work-related interaction, means that the virtual water cooler is now more essential than ever. One of the most important aspects of any human interaction is taking care of each other’s mental health.
Small Talk Matters
A virtual water cooler can give employees the feeling that they are involved in their work environment in exactly the same way that a real water cooler does. This sense of involvement aids the feeling of being together with co workers. Another important factor is that by chatting together, about all sorts of topics, then new ideas can spring up that can also be beneficial to the company's culture. Being able to talk out loud about their thoughts and ideas can often lead to a clearer understanding. In so doing will allow them to reach new conclusions. That's why the old-fashioned idea, that chatting round the water cooler is a waste of time is in itself, very short-sighted and ignorant.
How To Create A Virtual Water Cooler
There are any number of ways to create a great atmosphere around the virtual water cooler. Let's have a look at some of them here...
Ask A Simple Question Of The Day
In some ways, this is a means of simply getting a conversation started. A designated person will start the day with a simple question. This will lead to the coworkers answering, as well as discussing each other's answers throughout the day. This also allows employees to learn new things about their coworkers.
A Gentle Icebreaker First
We suggest that you start with an easy icebreaker. There's no point in throwing out a serious or controversial topic at the beginning, as this will only alienate half of those present. The whole idea of the virtual water cooler is to bring people together. So begin with the topic that allows your co-workers to feel relaxed and comfortable.
A Real Team Building Online
Yes, in truth, these might require a little more planning. Yet an intentional team building exercise around a virtual water cooler can be a great method of engaging and connecting everyone. Whether these are solely for fun, or more seriously, for personal development, they will certainly bring a greater reward for all who take part. Another thing about these team-building exercises is that, by engaging everyone in the team, they will all feel a greater sense of belonging and being part of the team.
Some Virtual Water Cooler Bonus Tips
Just as with any natural conversation in the real world, please don't make it awkward for those involved. Asking uncomfortable or too personal questions is going to pretty much kill a conversation stone dead. You have to keep in mind that not all team members are going to be chatty, especially when it comes to speaking over a video link. To that end, we suggest that you shouldn't force people to be in a 1 to 1 chat. We suggest a good tactic is to have a theme. So when you are scheduling these online virtual water cooler events then it's a good idea to simply ask people to chat about the home towns, their favourite type of tea, or if they would like to share a funny memory. Just keep in mind that this should always be relatively light and airy.
