Better together with Zoom!

There’s no denying that over the past couple of weeks we’ve had to adapt, rather quickly, to completely different ways of working.

The changes have impacted every element of our roles; our (lack of) commute, how we structure our day, the way we collaborate, how we prioritise our tasks and how we stay connected.

As we’ve adjusted and found solutions in extraordinary circumstances, one thing is clear; we’ve embraced the collaboration tool Zoom!

IT have enabled all shore Carnival UK colleagues to access Zoom meetings. Find out more about using Zoom on the IT Zoom page here.

Morning check-in

Working remotely means that we need to have a really clear understanding of team and individual priorities. Without office conversations happening around us, it’s not as easy to align tasks, stay focused on what’s important, and keep up-to-date.

Most teams have added a morning check-in to their new daily routine. Colleagues have shared how this has become a really great way to ensure they have the latest project updates, the opportunity to ask questions and to confirm priorities for the day. 

I’m at my desk ready for an 8.45am team catch up on Zoom, where we discuss any issues that may have arisen, or could potentially arise and ways we can solve them. It’s a great way to check in, see a few familiar faces, address any concerns and have a bit of banter to start the day in a positive mood.
Sonja Cross –  Personal Cruise Assistant, P&O Cruises

Coffee and a catch up

The government introduced the phrase ‘physical isolation’ instead of ‘social isolation’ because being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Colleagues have found that using zoom for a catch up is a great replacement for that mid morning break at the kitchen area, or when they would usually nip to the Atrium Cafe for a coffee.

I’ve always benefited from a break away from my screen and every day would grab Meg so we could go and make a drink together in the kitchen. I missed that daily catch up so in our second week of working from home we arranged to call each other every morning for a quick 10 minute catch up – we even put it in the diary so we know we’ll both be free!
Harriet Chinnock, Culture Projects Coordinator

Meeting mayhem!

We’d never dream of turning up to an office meeting in fancy dress, or all pulling crazy faces to pose for a photo together in a meeting room. But thanks to Zoom, what once may have been a mundane meeting is now anything but! And here’s the photos to prove it… 

Screen sharing 

Even though we can’t be better together in person, using the screen sharing option in zoom means that we can still collaborate effectively on projects. To share your screen during a Zoom meeting, just use the ‘Share Screen’ button in the meeting toolbar.

Colleague celebrations

When a member of Jess Richardson’s team was leaving, working from home didn’t stop them from enjoying a fond farewell. The team threw a tropical themed Zoom party and spent time together celebrating their colleague in style! We know colleagues have also been hosting quiz nights too!

A home learning help

Using Zoom at work has also opened up possibilities at home as Kate Johnston discovered. Signing in to Zoom using her personal email address, Kate has been using Zoom as a new way to keep her daughter and her mum connected.

My parents live up north so we’ve always used video calls to stay in contact with each other. However when I discovered the screen share option on Zoom I realised I could get my mum to help with my daughter’s home learning! Now they spend 40 mins (one free Zoom call!) together each day completing a home learning task. Alice enjoys chatting to her Grandma and I get 40 uninterrupted minutes to focus on a work task.  
Kate Johnston, Employee Experience Manager

How are you and your team using zoom? Share your stories below!