Whether you are currently leading a virtual team or are a member of one, human connection is imperative. Each person is working in a different physical environment, with individual challenges and opportunities. The leader and team members can create connection, even while physically apart. These strategies to bring you closer together.

With all the time everyone is currently spending at home, it is important to do things to promote your happiness. Some ways to do this include reading a book you enjoy, creating a vision board, or listening to music that boosts your mood. You can also connect with others while practicing social distancing or work on learning something new.

In our ever changing world, it isn’t uncommon to feel like things are out of your control. It is important to take the necessary steps to stay strong and bounce back during these tough times. By taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, finding humor in things, finding an emotional outlet, being optimistic, and remaining calm under pressure we can become more resilient.

Human connection is the number one predictor of happiness. With the isolation many are feeling during this time, it is important for leaders to find ways to connect with their staff one-on-one. Leaders should offer opportunities for learning, give specific positive feedback, keep staff updated on the progress of the organization, and encourage them to limit their news and social media exposure. In doing these things, leaders can continue to cultivate a positive and happy work environment even during these difficult times.

It isn’t uncommon for teams or departments within an organization to remain in a bit of a bubble. However, when a “team of teams” is put in place by the leadership within an organization, the group as a whole will ultimately become happier and in turn, more successful. In a team of teams, everyone is educated and understands the entire system, there are strong relationships throughout the organization, there is a “bottoms up solutions” culture, and a strong sense of trust throughout the organization.

Learning is something that makes people happy for a number of reasons. Some of these include increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy, giving us a sense of complete presence, helping move us to our desired future, and helping us know that we are never truly stuck. This is why it is so important for learning to always be encouraged in the various areas of our lives.

Falling up is defined as capitalizing on the downs to build upward momentum in the organization. When faced with a challenge, there are three paths one can take. One of these is falling up. By learning how to identify this path and how to take it, you are able to end up stronger, wiser and more resilient as a result of the challenges you faced.

One of the best ways to gain a new perspective is to get outside, even in the colder months. Mother Nature has the ability to increase your awe and wonder, allow you to see more options and opportunities, decrease stress and expand your mind, and encourage you to spend less time with technology. All of these things put together have the ability to quickly boost your mood and put you in a more creative space.

Play is an extremely useful tool in the workplace. It doesn’t have to be complicated and can be achieved easily through things such as icebreakers, music, dance, and even a group walk. By incorporating elements of play into the workplace, people become less stressed and sick less often. It can increase productivity and morale which is a win win for everyone!

It is important for leaders to identify their own strengths in order to lead more effectively. Additionally, it is just as important for them to focus on and help identify their employees’ strengths rather than their weaknesses. In doing so, leaders are able to create an environment where employees are able to achieve great things.