Following Virtual Team Meeting Etiquette (Camera Ready)

Looking Camera Ready
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can slack on professionalism. It’s easy to fall into a too-casual trap when your commute is a short walk from your kitchen to your home office. Certainly, one of the best perks about working from home is the freedom to wear anything you want to work. However, when you’re in a virtual meeting, your professionalism may be judged if you just roll out of bed in sweats and bedhead and hop onto your Monday morning team huddle. When it comes to looking presentable on camera, common sense isn’t always common knowledge.

When heading into your next video call, use these tips to make sure you’re “screen-ready”:

» Get out of your pajamas. Put on a clean shirt.

» Brush your hair. You don’t have to be glamorous, but you should at least look presentable.

» Set up your webcam at eye level. Use books or baskets to raise up your computer screen, if necessary, so people don’t feel like they’re looking up or down at you. Make sure your camera is on a steady surface to prevent shaking.

» Pay attention to the lighting. Light your face using a lamp or sit near a window where there is natural light so you don’t look like you’re in the dark.

» Consider wearing solid, neutral colors rather than pinstripes or bright neon and big jewelry. Both can be distracting, and large jewelry can make a distracting noise every time you move.

» Find a quiet place and get comfortable. Joining a video call while your kids are screaming, the dog is barking, or loud music or chatter is happening in the background may not be avoidable, but do your best to find a spot where you can hear and be heard.

» Test your video before your call. This way, you won’t be fixing your hair or clothing when the call starts, and you’ll prevent yourself from being distracted or embarrassed.

Source: Working From Home by Tara Powers, MS, et al.