This post has been republished via RSS; it originally appeared at: New blog articles in Microsoft Tech Community.
Working from home doesn't have to be boring. Even in quarantine there are many conversations to be had.
While attending the virtual MVP summit, I got all kinds of great ideas from the community zone. This was a specific channel that was set up for everyone involved to unwind, to get to know new people and to reconnect in a different way with people you know.
These ideas are things you can use in your organisation wide Team, or in your department or project Team to keep things fresh and fun.
People can choose if they want to participate. Collect likes and smiles and get everyone connected.
1. Show your desk
Take a picture of the place they spend their day in. Let people comment about the attributes they keep, picture frames or give feedback on the gear they are using.
2. Show a pic from outside your window
Hopefully people have a window near their WFH desk. Let them share a photo on the view from the inside. This one is also fun when you have a geographically dispersed team, you can check on the weather!
3. Tips on coffee/tea
Brewing your own liquid gold can be an artform. Let people share what they like, maybe you will learn new brands to stockpile in the office.
4. Pets in the office
Yes, you can absolutely bring your pet to work if you are WFH! Let everyone get a good feeling in the amount of crazy cat pictures.
5. What topic could you give a 20 minute presentation on ?
This impromptu question will get you amazing answers! Learn about hobbies and interests you didn't know from your teammates.
6. Virtual Bar
Everyone needs to have some time to chat. Why not create a virtual watercooler place where people can just jump in and start chatting ? Saw a great movie? Or just talk about the weather? Anything goes in the virtual bar!
7. What's for lunch ?
Everyone likes eating lunch, some people can craft magic in the kitchen! Show what you are having, turn on that food filter on your phone, and show everyone what you are nibbling on. When you have a global team, this is an awesome way of showing cultural differences.
8. Who has the best mug?
Coffee mug that is! Who has the funniest or weirdest cup to drink from? The most likes wins!
9. What 's the nicest thing someone has done for you lately ?
Move people to tears and bring some much wanted feel good vibes in the virtual office.
10. What made you most happy when you were a kid ?
Share your stories and make everyone smile.
Bonus tip: Virtual yoga
Get some exercise and stretching in your work hours. Spend 15 minutes doing virtual yoga, with a coworker leading on the screen.