How to make the most of your Donut meetings when you’re working from home

Let’s face it – a lot of us are working remotely these days, whether full-time or in a hybrid setup. While it’s great to have flexibility, it can sometimes feel tricky to build those personal connections we used to get from chatting by the coffee machine. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you rock your Donut meetings, even when you’re miles apart. (If you haven’t tried Donut yet, you can add it to Slack with one click.)

1. Video Donuts (Intros).

Working from home for an extended period of time can start to feel isolating, so having a 30-minute video call could be a great way to break up the day. Just as you might have a meeting with a colleague who is working from home for a day, use your company’s preferred video conferencing software to have your Donut meeting. If your company doesn’t have a preferred video conferencing software, Slack calls or huddles are a great and convenient option.

2. Kick off the convo with Donut’s Icebreakers

Blank screens can sometimes lead to awkward silences. That’s where Donut’s Icebreakers app for Zoom comes in handy! It’ll toss out fun questions to get the chat flowing naturally. No more wondering what to say next!

3. Time it right

Try scheduling your Donut for a time that feels casual, like over virtual coffee or lunch. It’s amazing how sharing a meal (even virtually) can make things feel more relaxed and friendly. Want more ideas for making Donut meetings purposeful and fun? Check out our library of 30+ plug-and-play templates for inspiration, and get started in under 5 minutes.

4. Get creative with Donut for FigJam

Who says virtual meetings have to be boring? Donut for FigJam offers nine fun exercises to spark creativity and build trust. Try out “Alternative Uses” or “Wild Ideas Only” to get those creative juices flowing and help everyone feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts.

5. Play together, stay together

Just like grabbing lunch or going for a walk together in the office, having a shared activity can make your Donut meeting more fun. Here’s a quick list of some fun games and activities you can try remotely:

• Trivia: Use a site like Kahoot! to set up a quick trivia game
• Pictionary: Try using the whiteboard feature in your video call software
• Two Truths and a Lie: A classic icebreaker that works great virtually
• Virtual Escape Rooms: Many companies now offer online versions
• Geoguessr: Test your geography knowledge together
• Online Board Games: Sites like Board Game Arena offer tons of options

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The key is to find something that both of you enjoy and that sparks conversation. Remember, the game is just a means to an end – the real goal is to connect and have fun together!

6. Go old school with pen pals

If you just can’t seem to find a time that works for both of you, try the pen pal approach! Spend about 30 minutes spread across the week writing back and forth on Slack or email. Share photos of your pets, your work-from-home setup, or that cool mug you’re sipping from – it’s a great way to learn more about each other’s day-to-day lives.

Do you have any tips on how to make the most of remote Donuts? We’d love to hear from you! Shoot us an email at [email protected].