Always Wear Pants On A Video Call

The video of a woman taking a bathroom break during a Zoom call is pretty much the worst-case scenario when it comes to telecommuting. ​If you haven’t seen it, it’s well worth a watch, if only for the empathy that sweeps across the faces of her colleagues: youtu.be/O-tjwY9BlJA

I've been using Zoom or Google Hangouts for half a decade daily as the main source of meetings and I know this will be a big change for some of you who are now working from home, so here are my best practices:

1. Always join a meeting muted.

• Enter every meeting muted and get familiar with this feature and its shortcuts.
• Know how to unmute/mute yourself during meetings.
• This includes dialing in via phone.

2. If you need a restroom break or have to step away for a moment, do it.

• Turn off your camera/mute yourself.
• Feel free to step away as you would during a traditional in-person meeting.
• Type in the chat that you’ll be right back.
• DO NOT TAKE YOUR LAPTOP TO THE BATHROOM!
  • I can’t believe I have to type that.

3. Always wear work-appropriate clothing - i.e. please wear pants.

• You never know when you might have a mishap and no one wants the awkwardness of accidentally seeing you in your underwear… or worse.

4. Remember to utilize the "Do Not Disturb" or “Focus Assist" feature on your devices.

• This mutes notifications so when it's your turn to "chime in" no one has to hear your slack pings, email notifications or incoming texts. 
• This is also a pro-tip that is a must for video interviews!

5. Don't be afraid to turn off the video.

• Video is nice to have but if you don’t feel comfortable being on video, don’t use it.
• Also, sometimes the internet in your home might not be working properly or fast enough causing issues. 
• Your voice in the meeting is what matters most!

6. Don't rely on the "blur background" or "virtual background" options.

• Always try to have a tidy background or a blank wall.

7. Have your camera position at eye level, or above you slightly.

• Your Colleagues don’t want to see up your nose!
• This also simulates how we'd be meeting in-person at a conference table.