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COVID Case Study: How We’re Keeping Up in an Era of Isolation

by | Apr 10, 2020 | News

It’s only been a few weeks, and already I’ve found myself screaming at TV — “that’s not Social Distancing!”

C’mon, you know you’ve caught yourself doing it too. We’re still adjusting to this weird world without handshakes and face-to-face interaction, and as a result, we’ve built up these strange reactions to things that used to be so normal.

I mean, it wasn’t that long ago that I could watch the kid with his mom in front of me at the grocery store, lick the shopping cart. And while at the time I thought it was disgusting, I didn’t walk away terrified that the kid just took out a whole of his family, but now? None of us would even dream about touching a cart with any less than four sanitizing wipes.

Yeah, that’s the world we’re living in.

But, don’t let me get you down—I’m writing today to share a little insight into how we’re getting along over here at Focal Point!  We’re fortunate enough that our work is easily transferrable to the home office—not all industries have that luxury. So, sit back, relax, and learn a little about the FP crew is keeping it fresh during the stale times.

Happy Hour Zoom Conferences

Happy hour may have once been a way of blowing off steam and getting away from your co-workers, but now it’s bringing us together in all new ways (aww!). Now by the time Friday comes around, we’re all dying to have a virtual beer and talk about how Carol Baskin totally murdered her husband. I mean, what good is all this cool communication technology if we can’t abuse to become drinking buddies?

Of course, it also has it’s added benefits — like the introduction of Dark Web Andrew. Before this photo, we had no idea Andrew spent his nights cruising the dark web, looking for patrons to purchase the organs he’s harvested.

image - COVID Case Study: How We're Keeping Up in an Era of Isolation

Not from our Happy Hour but submitted as evidence of Dark Web Andrew. Also, can you tell who actually took the photo? Thanks Mr. Smiles.

In all seriousness though, Zoom has been a godsend. Like so many other companies, the ability to compose both internal and external meetings have been crucial in finding some form of normalcy.

Slacking

Even though it’s been part of communication workflow for some time, Slack has been a lifesaver. Where before, it was always a simple inter-office way to chat without interrupting someone else, or (more frequently) an endless thread of reaction gifs, Slack has become our major lifeline — a place where we can share a stream of thoughts and ideas! Or maybe it’s just become a channel for strictly communicating in gifs. You be the judge.

Screen Shot 2020 04 02 at 3.13.26 PM - COVID Case Study: How We're Keeping Up in an Era of Isolation

Put on Some Pants

You know when you’re watching SportsCenter outtakes and one of the hosts gets up from behind the desk to reveal he’s wearing shorts? This work-from-home is an obvious opportunity to abuse such power, but as a wise man once said, “with great power comes great responsibility.”
Thanks Stan Lee. We miss you.

But seriously, after two days of sweatpants, you start to realize that maybe you don’t need to be perpetually ready for a mid-day, couch-lounge session. And how many days has it been since I showered? Want to feel like you’re actually working from home? Take a shower and put on real pants.

Bonus: quarantine co-habitants will thank you.

no pants@2x 80 - COVID Case Study: How We're Keeping Up in an Era of Isolation

We’ll Get Through It!

In the end, we’re going to get through this — all of us. We’re so fortunate to live in a world where communications have evolved to the level that we can chat face-to-face via video, send instant-read messages (and gifs!) all from isolation. It’s hard to think of a previous era where any of this would have been possible.

And kudos to all the parents, teachers and families out there working hard to keep their kids entertained during this process. Certainly, it’s no small task. I can’t help but think of what this would have been like in my home 25 years ago — my siblings and I, wrestling on the floor over a TV remote desperately attempting to keep my sister from starting Mannequin for the thirtieth time. And if you asked her, she’d probably tell you some big fib about how we couldn’t even play Monopoly without me flipping the board over in an outfit of rage.

She tells a good story though.

While today there’s no shortage of gadgets for kids to fight over, the ubiquity of the internet certainly makes it easier to access a world of educational and entertainment to challenge and expand — unless, of course you’re watching Tiger King.

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About the Author:

derek

derek

Partner and Co-Creative Director in charge of digital, Derek combines his creative talents, leadership and a problem solver’s mentality to implement successful strategies for our clients. Dog-Dad to Wellie, golf-obsessed.

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Our LocationFind Us

Our office:
7535 W Kennewick Ave, Ste D
Kennewick, WA 99336

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM
Sat-Sun: Closed

Our LocationFind Us

Our office:
7535 W Kennewick Ave, Ste D
Kennewick, WA 99336

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM
Sat-Sun: Closed

COVID Case Study: How We're Keeping Up in an Era of Isolation

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