Physically Distant But Still Socially Connected

Colette Watt’s 1-year-old son Elliott was behind some technical difficulties during a recent hangout for the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions.

As Watt introduced her son to colleagues over the Zoom video call, Elliott began playing with her keyboard. 

“He almost canceled the call by hitting random keys,” said Watt, administrative program coordinator. “Everything else went much smoother.”

The Nicholas Institute employees replaced their usual in-person socials at the office for a gathering over video. They exchange recipes, workout video suggestions and introduce family and pets. 

After the gathering, staff put the recommendations in a Google document for easy access.  

“You feel this solidarity that we’re all trying to figure this out together,” she said. “I miss running into people in the hallway and at the coffee maker. Our Friday call is a way to keep our relationship going without that.”

###

This is an excerpt from an article that originally appeared at Duke Today.