One of the many challenges of COVID-19 and social distancing is staying connected with friends and colleagues. Recent research shows that professional networks have shrunk as much as 16% (more than 200 people) due to the global pandemic. Remote work and social distancing have made it less likely to meet a stranger or engage in small talk with a casual acquaintance. Without regular face-to-face contact, it is easy to feel disconnected from our friends and co-workers.
When a professional network shrinks or disappears, it can be harder to find a job, make problem-solving more difficult, cause group-think within organizations, and increase feelings of isolation and stress. While social distancing restrictions are still in place, and as remote work becomes standard practice, how can we grow and maintain our social and professional networks?
