“Good to have this as break from the routine” “I am doing ok” “Insightful, I appreciate the framework, the conversation starters” “Having external facilitators was a treat so we're all participants” These were the staff reactions at the recently concluded online Staff Retreat held last Oct 19, 2020. The retreat sough to check on the staff who have been on 100% remote working from home arrangement since the start of the Metro Manila wide quarantine. Working in the new normal has been a roller coaster ride of emotions, physical and mental fatigue which can challenge work productivity. The retreat became an opportunity to express feelings, observations, aspirations about life, work and support, both from management and from each other. Responses on influencing others to be supportive were more about communicating positive behavior and participation in the recalibration of mental models, systems, structures, and policies to build a more resilient culture in the organization. “Nakaka-miss ang ZFF staff, nakaka-miss ang chikahan” and so for the brief four hour retreat, the staff were energize and reminded that they still have each other and that each one is just a message and a video-call away. There is no substitute to physically going to the office and going about the grind with your friends but socializing need not stop because of COVID19.