The Role of Digital Communications in a Pandemic

In our current landscape, digital communications have never played a more important role. While a lot of us are isolating or perhaps even in quarantine at the moment, we are still able to remain connected thanks to the internet and our devices.

This experience may very well change the way the world functions. Many people are currently working from home for the first time in their lives. Some banks have made it possible to obtain a home loan online, you can even go to an online nightclub!

So how can digital communications enhance our lives at the moment?

In a professional setting

While we’ve long had the option to hold online meetings most of us opt to hold them in person where possible.

While we understand the need to have face to face human connection, it shouldn’t come at a cost of productivity and too often, it does. There are scores of people travelling hours and long distances, perhaps even interstate to attend short meetings that really could have been held through online video platforms like Zoom or Skype.

The global pandemic has essentially forced our hand and given us no other choice. We’ve had to adapt and a lot of us have discovered that online meetings can work!

Online messaging tools allow you to instant message, share screens and hold video chats and presentations with multiple people at once. While it’s not the same as meeting in person, it is the next best thing and we believe that this period has demonstrated that digital communication at times can act as an appropriate substitute to increase productivity.

If you’re missing an office environment the internet has gifted us a nifty little website that recreate classic office sounds! You can listen here.

In a social setting

We’ve explored how digital communications can enhance your professional life, now let’s look at how it can support you in maintaining a somewhat social life when you’re stuck at home.

Apps like FaceTime, HouseParty and WhatsApp enable you to have a casual video chat with friends or family.

Having the option to physically see someone while talking to them means we’re still able to maintain a sense of connectivity and closeness and it provides us with the opportunity to get creative. We don’t have to just sit on the couch while we’re talking, we should have some fun! We’ve put together a few ideas for you to consider when you’re doing your next online catch up.

- Arrange a dinner date: There are several ways you can go about this. You could order takeaway together, surprise someone by ordering takeaway for them or even plan to cook a meal together. There are several famous chefs offering free cooking classes online. You could take one together!

- Take a yoga class: A lot of yoga studios have evolved during this period and have started offering online classes. You can choose to stream these in real time together – I took a class with 28 other people the other day! Some of these people I knew, and some were strangers, but it was an uplifting experience. You can also arrange to watch a YouTube video at the same time if you’re unable to find a live stream. We can recommend Yoga213, however, we also suggest looking for a local studio. It’s important to support the local businesses in your area.

- Watch a movie: Netflix Party is an app that enables you to watch a movie or a tv show with a friend or family member. It synchronises video playback and adds a group chat feature to your favourite shows.

We like thinking outside the square! If you have any innovative catch up ideas to do within a video chat, let us know!