In two short weeks our world has been turned upside down. And yet, even this crisis has its silver lining. Itโs called Zoom.
Remote conferencing is hardly a new concept. Thanks to technology, meetings have been held business-to-business across states, and yes, oceans, now for quite some time. They usually originate in conference rooms, assembled with oneโs team, all seated together. But work in the time of coronavirus cannot allow for any on-site seating โ not even six feet apart.
As COVID-19 rages, Zoomโs user-friendly platform has fast become the go-to experience for a sense of normalcy. But I ask, how normal is it to see inside your boss and co-workersโ homes? What about that of a political pundit or host on national TV? And, hereโs the bigger question. Do we even want to?
While social media has already made our lives seemingly accessible, Zoom conferences and interviews now feel reminiscent of the more relaxed workplace, symbolized by what was once known as Casual Friday. A relaxed dress-code in businesses made the workplace feel oddly familiar on days men would forgo a tie and women dressed down.
But if every day now is Social and Casual, is there an added allure when we get to Zoom in?
Everything You Did โ and Didnโt โ Want to Know During COVID19
Here, in no particular order, are things I have seen these last handful of days:
My colleaguesโ adorable dogs
A teammate in her pajamas
The really good sandwich in my managerโs kitchen
Someoneโs dad
Someoneโs spouse
Someoneโs roommate
French doors
Kelly Ripa when she does her own hair and makeup
Debi Mazarโs peacock-blue wall
The orange bath towel belonging to a rabbi at my temple
And here are the things Iโve noticed are amplified:
The commitment of each of my colleagues
The organizational skills that enable our company to run remotely
Personal responsibility to do the best for oneโs clients
Camaraderie
An appreciation for working
The affection behind our teamโs teasing
Pride
Our fundamental need to connect
How we sense weโre to be forever changed, but in ways donโt yet know
I donโt mean to cut this short, but we have a Zoom check-in meeting in five minutes, and I need to put on some lipstick and move my office from the bed to the couch. You donโt think I want everyone seeing me in myโฆ. TMI, I know.
Stay safe! Be strong.
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