A BUSINESS is offering ‘virtual lunch breaks’ to boost morale during the coronavirus outbreak.

Maldon-based coaching company 1404 Performance, run by Danny Crates and Andy Cohen-Wray, will be offering the free sessions to keep workers motivated during these tough times.

The first interactive session is this Friday between 1-2pm and will feature top tips on how to stay positive and focused by setting goals, connecting with colleagues old and new, and supporting well-being.

Danny said the scheme is to help businesses stay engaged by forming new friendships.

He said: “Isolation is the key driver here because it’s important to ensure any functioning and successful business team remains and feels connected at a human level.

“Just because we can no longer chat or high-five in the actual workplace, doesn’t mean we have to totally become a nation of people working in silos – plus this can also be the time to take stock and control back, and even evaluate where you want to take your career.

"We can’t control the current unprecedented situation, but we can take charge of how we deal with it.”

A trial run saw business leaders from Essex, London, the Midlands, Leeds, Scotland and even Spain and the Canary Islands join in.

Andy said: “Most people are having to work from home due to social distancing and while they will still have calls and webcams about their job, the key ingredient missing is human interaction.

“This has the potential to leave people feeling bereft and adrift, and ultimately affect mental health, especially those for whom their work and social life are inextricably linked.

“We’re all forced entrepreneurs now, so it’s a time to learn new roles and skills and take on extra responsibilities, plus work on our weaknesses.

For more details, email info@1404performance.com.