Socially Distant But Still Connected

Published on March 30, 2020, at 8:05 p.m.
by Katie Poedtke.

On March 16, 2020, the White House addressed the nation and provided the best preventive measure against COVID-19, aka coronavirus: social distancing.

Various pandemics have broken out across the world over time, but none have had such a widespread response as COVID-19. Coronavirus joined the list of pandemics this year. This flu-like illness can lead to devastating effects, such as “pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death,” according to the World Health Organization.

Because of the government’s safety precautions for the coronavirus, employees and students around the nation are completing their work at home. Working remotely helps us achieve the goal of social distancing, but it can bring some difficult challenges as well.

Here are some ideas to help stay connected to your organization’s publics, even while being physically distant.

Connect through video

Technology grants the industry so many opportunities to stay connected with the public, and video methods do just that. Video content helps fill the gap that exists when the audience relies on a screen to connect — displaying the human behind the screen builds rapport and maintains relationships. Reach out to your publics by creating videos with updates about the pandemic, news about the organization, how business will be conducted and more.

Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson released a video addressing Marriott associates. This announcement displayed a deeply personal connection with Marriott International’s various publics. Sorenson illustrated transparency by addressing pay cuts that executives are experiencing and encouraging viewers all over the world that we will get through these uncertain times. Whether or not you’re a Marriott aficionado, the video leaves a major impact.

More brands should take advantage of this opportunity to connect with publics through video — it is the closest thing to a “face to face” experience consumers may have for a while.

Keep up the social media efforts

People have to stay connected somehow, and the use of social media has spiked since the pandemic sent everyone into self-quarantine. Take advantage of this increase. People are looking to their apps to entertain themselves, and your social media efforts may gain more impressions and hit more awareness goals than previously thought. Several different tactics can be achieved through social media during this time, including fundraising, interactive polls and more.

Stay organized and keep a routine

Productivity hangs in the balance while working remotely. Staying organized can help build and keep a routine, which helps increase productivity levels. Just because we are in a comfortable setting does not mean we should become comfortable with our business preparations and responsibilities. Creating a schedule and following it can help reflect professionalism in a leisurely space.

Balance screen time and face time

Remember to connect with the people in your immediate environment. Engage in hobbies and find new ones. Read books, finish puzzles and go outside. It is OK to take a break from screens in order to give yourself a break. Call a friend and don’t talk about business. These brain breaks will be good for your well-being and help increase productivity whenever you need to get back to work.

During the coming weeks, we all need to work together to produce the best possible outcomes for our organization, our publics and ourselves.

Although we remain physically distant, may we never become mentally absent.