Tia Giannone 
Prior to the pandemic, Torchia Communications worked efficiently, primarily out of two offices. The teams individually and combined were very strong and, as would happen in any situation, each respective team got very close. Although not in a competitive manner, workloads often got divided based on location, which led to two very effective, but separate, teams.
As abruptly as the pandemic began, so did our changes in strategy. As we all began to work from home, the way our team communicated shifted. Those we used to see in person we now spoke to via phone, skype, or zoom. The team dynamic became a digital one across the board. Although this was an adjustment, it also created a beautiful team environment where the different offices now communicate more via these new modes of communications.
Due to the pandemic and the shifting weight on the team, we became much less of a two-office company and rather one cohesive team. This isn’t to say we were divided or incohesive previously, it is only normal to have stronger connections with the people we see daily. However, the pandemic shifted our workloads and our communications in a way that shifted us all into a tighter team not only because of constant communication but because we worked so hard as a team to get through an unprecedented time.
In hindsight, it’s clear to see that this pandemic has challenged the entire world – from healthcare systems to entire economies and governments. But it’s also challenged small businesses and pushed us to bridge so many gaps, differences and other obstacles and, ultimately, this may have a positive impact on how teams work together. I know it has here.
