The View From Here – Bonding With Coworkers

An interesting study shows how the pandemic has brought us closer to people, even our coworkers!

You don’t spend a year connecting to people online, getting a glimpse into their home life – with kids and pets and everything else – without feeling closer to them.

We’ve been seeing a different side of people – including our coworkers.  I have had some great conversations with my fellow Fox ladies.  Sharing laughs and even a few tears.  It’s been a year. (smile)

There is something about going through something together, that brings people closer.

“According to Microsoft’s study, one in six people reported crying with a coworker this year, and nearly one in three say they are more likely to be their authentic selves at work than last year. About 40 percent said they were less embarrassed when their home life showed up at work compared to how things used to be.”

I agree.  100%.   I have cried with a coworker.  I’ve felt I’ve been able to open up and be myself.   Not always pretty.   Literally.  There have been some UGLY days.  (smile).     I’ve shared my whole life with people in the last year where before they would get a polite formality in the hallway.

And we are happier and more productive because of it.

Huh.

That’s pretty cool don’t you think?  It also shows our use of emoji’s have increased.  80% since the pandemic forced so many people to work from home.  Because our thoughts aren’t always clear in a text or email.  But throw in an emoji and we get the point across, right?  Ha.  By the way – the five most popular remote work emoji are the face with tears, red heart, thumbs up, rolling on the floor laughing, and smiling face with heart eyes.   I think I’ve honestly only used the smile face for work stuff.

This new found bond with our coworkers has led to something fun and exciting for us.  We’ve started a podcast!  The ladies of the Fox (sorry George, you have to sit this one out) are teaming up to chat about all kinds of things.  Whatever is on our minds, or weighing on our hearts.   Whether it’s the pandemic, parenting, aging (it’s been a learning curve for me this year), food, lifestyle stuff – we aim to bring you a fun and interesting conversation each and every week with Fox Talks.

We invite you into our conversation and hope that you will reach out to us and share what is on your mind, and in your heart as well.

Email foxtalks@foxfm.com to let us know if there’s something you’d like to discuss.  Send us your thoughts and we’ll start the conversation.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan