Ideas for Safely Catching up with your Work Colleagues

November 5, 2020

With 2020 being the year of the global pandemic, many of us are learning how to effectively work from home, while balancing work and life challenges. A major aspect of that is figuring out how to compartmentalise your break and work time, as sometimes they seem to overlap. So, the question is, how do I interact with my colleagues in a non-work capacity? Here are some ideas that may help you safely catch up with your colleagues.

Organise Coffee Breaks via Video Chat

Work is stressful enough, and working from home brings its own challenges on top of that. Working in a place that is supposed to be your sanctuary can impact your mental health and stress you out more. We recommend grabbing a coffee, some snacks and contacting some of your work colleagues to have a coffee break via video chat. This break will give you time to re-energize and come back to work more focused and productive.

Socially Distanced and Video Workout

Another way to safely catch up with your colleagues is to organise either a socially distant activity outside or to indulge in an online workout class together. If you can go outside, we recommend doing socially distanced activities such as biking, going for a walk or a run. Being outside, rather than in a crowded environment inside, decreases the chances of you getting COVID-19. Another solution for you to catch up with your colleagues is to organise an online fitness class and cheer each other on from inside your homes.

Socially Distanced Picnics

We understand that seeing people online rather than in person just does not hit the spot as it should. So why not pack some food, a picnic blanket and basket and meet up with your colleagues at your favourite park? This is a great way to catch up with your co-workers, in a non-work capacity. Just remember to bring your food, utensils and masks!

Virtual Cocktail Hour with Teammates

Many of us are missing the routine of going out on a Friday night with work colleagues and having drinks to celebrate the end of the week. Unfortunately, now we are more likely to drink at home alone. Why not set up a virtual cocktail night with your teammates? You can catch up with the team and bonus points you do not have to get out of your sweatpants!

To read more about safely catching up with colleagues, check out:

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/healthier-together/healthiertogether-blog/five-ways-you-can-have-fun-with-family-and-friends-while-social-distancing

https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-06-21/how-to-socialise-safely-during-coronavirus-pandemic/12372818?nw=0

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By Mimi Petrakis • May 5, 2026

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