More than a year after the start of the pandemic, most people have adjusted to their lives and the routines they developed in isolation at home in their "Covid caves". Slowly, the end of the pandemic seems to be in sight and social life is coming back to the fore. But how did that work again, meeting people? And is it possible and sensible to celebrate as a team ?
Many of us are longing for normality and would like to have it back as soon as possible. Finally going out to party and eat again, meeting people, traveling and celebrating wonderful parties as a team - sounds too tempting, doesn't it?
But the reality is: the end of all COVID-19 restrictions could be just as hard for us as their introduction, quite a few even have a social phobia after Corona.
While many people are happy to finally be able to meet their loved ones and friends "carefree" again, there are people who are afraid of having contact with others. This is known as "cave syndrome" or coronavirus social phobia because people have become accustomed to being isolated in their own "cave". Others feel under pressure because they feel they have to join in while being afraid of catching the virus.
Are you one of them? It can feel difficult at first, but you are not alone in feeling this way! Don't feel like you have to rush into big changes. It can be helpful to talk to the people around you about how you feel - just for practical reasons if you want them to adjust their behavior around you and take your post-corona social phobia seriously.
That awkward conversation when someone invites you to something and you ask yourself, "Am I comfortable?" And if not, how do I explain it without sounding like I'm being overprotective or like I just don't want to see them? Does that sound familiar?
Reconnecting with other people can feel uncomfortable at first - and it doesn't have to be a social phobia after coronavirus. Whether you're uncomfortable not wearing a mask or you're uncomfortable meeting people in large groups again, take things at your own pace . Don't let others intimidate you or pressure you into doing things you don't want to do.
If you're trying to socialize again, it can be helpful to take it slow and start small. You won't be able to avoid social situations completely, but if you want to avoid some things that you don't enjoy or don't feel ready for, that's fine. Think about what you do or don't want to do in company beforehand.
And don't be too hard on yourself if it takes longer than expected or other people seem more confident or outgoing than you. Try to give yourself time to get used to the changed reality.
The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the way companies work. Instead of going into the office every day, holding meetings and working closely with employees, many worked - and many still do - from home.
Returning to the office after working from home for so long is a big adjustment for employees and it will probably take some time for everyone to get back into their flow. It is also possible that the mood is depressed after everything that has happened. Perhaps some are feeling stressed and struggling to do the same high-quality work as before the pandemic.
This motivation can be restored through team events. If employees are successful in team-building activities, they feel good about themselves. Their self-confidence increases. And higher motivation and self-confidence lead to higher productivity, which can help the company get back on track.
That's why we say: Celebrate as a team, yes please!
It's been a while since the team has seen each other face to face. An online conversation is not the same as a physical meeting in the same room. An off-site meeting allows employees to reconnect in a stress-free environment and refresh their relationships through team building activities.
Employees can open up without the stress of a professional environment and reconnect with each other, chat casually and relive old times. Team building helps to improve cooperation and restore cohesion. If employees are given the opportunity to reconnect with each other through team building after coronavirus, they are better equipped to work together again in the office.
The first and most important rule is that the safety of employees returning to work after COVID-19 must be a priority. Another key concern is to organize these events without excluding hybrid or work-from-home employees. In addition, the following tips will help:
Only those who have a strong team will be successful in the long term. If you are interested in helping colleagues become a team, you will find support in our team building seminar.