Committed to the Tauranga community, Bay Venues is supporting the transition to a 'new normal” by looking at a range of well-being topics over the next six weeks with the help of resilience expert Rachel Matheson.

The first topic explores the challenge of keeping teams connected as employees seek more flexibility after successfully working from home over the past few months. And the challenge for businesses to find more effective and efficient ways to operate in this ‘new normal'.

This week, Bay Venues and Matheson look at healthy relationships and positive interactions, including what lockdown taught us about the value of friendship. Exploring the importance of connecting with people who share the same values as you, why this is so important for our mental health and where you might make these connections.

Keep an eye out for the columns at www.bayvenues.co.nz/wellness

New topics will be released weekly and are available to read online

Staying connected in the 'new normal”

The Covid-19 lockdown disrupted our normal working rhythm, with many of us experiencing working from home for the first time.

What surprised many employees and employers alike was how many people enjoyed working from home and the positive impact on productivity. Some said they got to know their colleagues better through glimpses of their living rooms, home offices and kids as they appeared on camera via Zoom and Skype.

But for others the story was different – life worries, lack of space, distractions (like kids, pets and TV) and interruptions by others in the bubble meant productivity dropped, and many felt lonely, isolated and disconnected – missing the human interactions and laughs over the water cooler!

However, despite these challenges, a University of Otago study has found 89% of working New Zealanders want to continue to work from home post lockdown, at least part-time.

To make this work long-term, businesses will need to find more effective and efficient ways to operate as we all continue to navigate the new environment of 'business unusual” and leverage off the experiences and learnings from alert levels 3 and 4.

The top priorities for employers are ensuring people feel connected with others and keeping teams together, regardless of where they are located.

During lockdown many struggled with the inability to communicate through face to face meetings. We are social beings by nature – connection through bonding with others is one of our basic human needs along with shelter, food, and clothing. Human connection enriches our lives, makes us feel safe and allows us to recognise that we're part of something bigger than ourselves.

Many of us have experienced the frustrating glitches and lags in the world of DIY online meetings. However, there is more advanced technology that can ensure connecting virtually' is just as effective as traditional face to face meetings, presentations or conferences.

Placing the technology in the hands of experts means that we can successfully stay connected while working apart.

Keeping the team connected

It's probably fair to say that many employees who worked from home during the lockdown have experienced Zoom or Skype fatigue after endless technical challenges, Wi-Fi dropouts, video glitches, presentation freezes and muted microphones.

If you need a more robust virtual meeting solution to keep the team connected, host virtual training or to reach potential clients worldwide, speak to the technical experts – BayAudioVisual.

They can help you to host a meeting for ten, a conference for 1000 or live stream to tens of thousands. Plus, they can host the virtual event at your place or at one of the many venues across the Bay Venues' network, including purpose-built studios at Trustpower Arena which meet broadcasting standards.

For more information visit the website: bayaudiovisual.co.nz