Executive Women's Roundtable Goes Virtual
By Neela Babu, WTS-DC
May 2021
The first WTS-DC EWR of 2021 was held on May 21 in a virtual setting. The topic of “Growing and Advancing Your Networks During COVID” provided the attendees with the opportunity to share how they have been maintaining and growing their professional networks and advancing in their current roles throughout the past year plus. The discussion also included finding a new job during the pandemic.
It was clear from the conversation that, while the effects of working from home and the additional pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges, the attendees found ways to pivot and adapt and discovered new ways to network, communicate, and successfully manage the workplace. Participation in virtual conferences and seminars was one way people networked. Some did more and some did less, yet it was apparent that connecting with others remained important and necessary for mental health and for those who struggled with the reality of a less social life. Professional organizations such as WTS-DC proved helpful to continue growing and cultivating networks and even broadening to national and international outreach.
On a personal level, emotional support became equally important as was professional support, and the attendees used personal and professional networks to check in on colleagues and find encouragement within their networks. Many attendees described how COVID has given them an opportunity to be more involved in staff concerns through outreach as there was time for more face-to-face interaction. This proved particularly helpful identifying folks who may be struggling including younger staff who are often living alone. Attendees also shared the creative ways in which they connected with others, including virtual happy hours and on-line games.
This group of women leaders also recognized that their roles allowed them to review communication methods and assess internal company networks, which was extremely important as people needed to easily access technology and feel secure they would be able to do their jobs in the remote environment.
As society begins to transition out of COVID, the attendees shared which COVID habits they would be keeping in the future. They also discussed if and how they would be going back to the office, and there was unanimous hope that the fall EWR would be held in person!