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OPINION
Companies can still create strong team bonds by using technology to implement team building activities that foster company values, trust, and friendship among co-workers. Team building in an evolving work model
A pps and technology are readily available for gaming and entertainment, education, music, finance, health and fitness, productivity, and several other categories, covering all aspects of our lives. Companies can successfully build staff camaraderie by using these tools to strengthen and reinforce bonds with new and tenured employees. Virtual activities may be the key to shaping company culture and restoring a sense of community while we work through the new reality of co-location work and hybrid work models.
Angelique Silvestre
In the third year of the pandemic, companies and employees have adjusted their work life to accommodate health and safety protocols and changing family needs. Some employees work at the company office or a project site, while others work from home, and some from both locations in a hybrid work model. Teamwork and team bonds are definitely stronger amongst those who have worked together prior to the pandemic, allowing them to interact even while not in the office. But we cannot leave the newer employees, those onboarded during the pandemic, behind or alone during this time. The office community, environment, and rituals are not the same as they once were. We used to brew
coffee and share donuts together in the breakroom. We used to go out to lunch and grab people from their desks to join us. After-work happy hours were regular events. Team meetings involved small talk before the meeting began. Now it’s harder to socialize and find your work bestie. Many new graduates have joined the AEC workforce and have not been able to foster a team bond with their co-workers because of the pandemic. This creates new challenges. Despite the pandemic hardships, we are all willing to try to learn new ways to communicate and develop lasting relationships with our peers and managers. Waving to fellow co-workers and stopping by to chat has
See ANGELIQUE SILVESTRE, page 10
THE ZWEIG LETTER JUNE 13, 2022, ISSUE 1444
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