We’re wired for story. In a culture of scarcity and perfectionism, there’s a surprisingly simple reason we want to own, integrate, and share our stories of struggle. We do this because we feel the most alive when we’re connecting with others and being brave with our stories – it’s in our biology.”

Brene Brown, Rising Strong.

2020 will be known for many things. This will include the Zoom meeting. 

You know what I’m talking about. That Zoom meeting with your manager or your co-worker, or manager that you are “there” for. The one where you are “listening”, but are also scrolling your social media because it is SO BORING. Do we have to play another lame “get to know you” icebreaker game?

There may be some benefits to working and or studying at home culture we are currently in.  Our commute, especially here, is short. You get up, you get your breakfast and you get on your computer snd start. Companies that initially resisted the idea of working from home are no open to it.

There is one problem. The connection. Not just  an “online” connection. That genuine connection that has been lost since this pandemic started.

Melody Owen and Bill Bernat from Connect Story Design.

Bill Bernat and Melody Owen believe that people need to connect. And the best way to do this is through story. Their company, Connecting Story Design, is an online team building design where everyone creates, laughs, and learns together

As a TED Talk speaker and storyteller, Bernat knows that just allowing people to simply talk really helps the adjustment we all have been going through.

“It’s been an emotional journey for all of us. All of a sudden, I’m not in an office now. For some people, it’s total isolation. Whereas now instead of seeing people at work, if you have social anxiety, you are not seeing them at all.” Bernat said

Owen adds that seeing people as their authentic human self, as opposed to feeling the need to be professional has created a connection.

“People were trying to separate their home life and their work life. And it’s not working. Cats, dogs, and children were in the way. And people were really worried. What would my boss think? Then, the boss brought out their kid. Connection.”

Studies have shown that for many employees, working remotely disconnects them from the company. Studies are showing that  70% of remote workers feel left out. As well as over half of remote employees feel voiceless. When you add this concern to the ongoing mental health challenges, Bernat sees storytelling as a good solution.

A lot of people are seeing increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. There are multiple studies from multiple organizations that show they have tripled or quadrupled. So what we are seeing in storytelling is people are relishing the idea of just talking about their lives. About how isolation is affecting our mental health. “

It’s not just the fact that they are on a Zoom call. Owen adds it’s about the substance of the call. And they work with companies by using another 2020 word. Cohorts.

“That Friday night at the bar, at the pub, for a beer. There is a bonding that happens. Two people may go off and have a really good conversation with that loud music. But that’s a superficial bonding time. We use cohorts. So we can have 4 people in a cohort sharing their stories. And they learn about each other.”

Bernat adds that this allows people to reflect on what is really going on in their lives.

“What’s important in my life? How did I tackle it? How do I feel about it? And others are doing the same.”

Bernat and Owen met last year when they were performers at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Bernat was not sure how the theatre world would connect with the business world.

“At times, this has been a tough sell.“Bernat said. The business world is not interested in the theatre world at all. But they are interested in an experience in having a connection with people and having fun.”

Since they have started in June, Connected Story Design has received strong reviews.

“Mostly 10’s,” Bernat said. “The lowest we have had is 7.

As far as this if this current stay at home culture all remains when the pandemic is over, Owen doesn’t see it.

“It’s opened up some possibilities. Can I go to work or work fo home? But I haven’t heard anyone say I never want to go to work again. Because we are craving connection. We are getting as much of it as we can. We are learning new ways of connecting online. But to say that everyone will be a remote worker, I don’t  believe that.”

“There are teams that want to be in the same room, At least sometimes.”