Many organisations and businesses, where people work remotely or from home regularly connect during a coffee break. So, why not try a virtual coffee break with colleagues and students?
How it works
We organise online shared coffee hangouts with hosted informal chat where everyone has a coffee (Or whatever they prefer to drink). These can be at a regular time, once a day or once a week.
I have been attending a weekly virtual coffee break since the coronavirus outbreak began. Unable to co-work in a space in Brighton, we still meet once a week at a virtual coffee morning. It is social, connects us in isolation and often generates useful ideas and connections. At other times it is fairly light, minimal and we just enjoy the company.
This can be done with students, with students and staff, or just for staff. It can run from 20 minutes to an hour. It need have no agenda, can be lightly facilitated or not facilitated at all. You create a regular invite, people do not need to RSVP, and whoever comes of the right people!
The benefit can be more than social. It can reduce stress, create a sense of teamwork and fellowship, and enable people to share their news.
For people working at home alone this is a chance to feel connection with colleagues and not so isolated. Exactly the same can apply to students. A good opening topic of conversation of course is the coffee or tea we are drinking. Who recommends what? We can check in with each other, discuss the news, share progress on coursework, preparation for exams, or simply see what comes up.