I was running late to a Zoom call. Zoom fatigue is real and I had not taken any active steps to prevent the negative impacts of attending back-to-back calls. This seems to be how remote workers are feeling since the safer at home orders. I jumped on my next call just in time for introductions to end and the "check-in" to begin. The meeting leader instructed each person to state how they were doing, something they were working on, something they were proud of, and an activity they were doing to take care of themselves. "Oh good," I thought to myself. "I didn't miss anything and no one noticed I was late." I was scheduled to present an online tool and this gave me a moment to breathe. Twenty minutes later I was checking my watch and my e-mail as the check-ins went on and on. "Are you kidding me?" I thought to myself. "We're still checking in?! How much longer is this going to last?" Finally, twenty-five minutes into the meeting we finished check-ins and moved on.

This meeting stuck with me. Following the purposeful sharing, the group seemed cohesive and able to be more genuine with one another. Wanting to learn more I found an article summarizing evidence-based applications of individual, community, and existential resilience. The article noted one way to foster community resilience is dedicating virtual meeting time to checking in on personal and professional roles and wellbeing. This plays an important role in maintaining connection. I reflected after reading the article. How can I foster my own virtual community? I pondered how morale could be improved, how check-ins could promote positive culture and cross-collaboration on projects. I planned weekly "shout-outs" of accomplishments. I identified short-term goals for my team and myself that would give us easy jumping off points for our check-in time. I started integrating this process into my personal to-do list and meeting agendas. I contemplated ways to manage shared feelings of stress, uncertainty, and fear.

Now, I start meetings, even my short one-on-ones, with "how are you doing?" and I really listen to the response. I give genuine, appropriate responses myself. In smaller meetings, everyone shares how they're really doing, not just "I'm fine" or "I'm okay." In larger meetings, people give a facial expression or thumbs up (or down) and some people share verbally how they're doing. At each opportunity with my team, we're still checking in.