Video conferencing is just as important as in-person meetings, if not more. Taking face to face meetings online bring with them a specific set of benefits and drawbacks. On the upside, distance and location are no longer defining factors for attendees, which makes meetings more inclusive and convenient.
Clean and Clear Backdrop
If you have a camera, turn it on. It makes the meetings more personal and it is easier to understand the other attendees when you can read their facial expressions as well.
Ambient noises and distracting backgrounds can create a non-professional setting that discourages focus, engagement and effective communication.
Make sure the view is a professional one. Try to find a neutral wall to use as your backdrop, if you don’t have one feel free to show off your bookcase or house plants.
Opt for sitting with large windows that let in natural light. Make sure the lighting in the room does not create any shadows on your face. Join the meeting a couple of minutes early in case you need to make any adjustments.
Stay focused
Family
The practice of booking rooms for meetings and conference calls in the office can be brought home. Negotiate times with your spouse about who gets what room. You want the bedroom for morning meetings? Or perhaps you’d prefer the makeshift office for that afternoon call. A quick game of rock, paper, scissors might be all you need.
Noise
Soundproofing your room might be a bit of a stretch, but do your best to find a quiet area of your home when you are preparing for an audio or video conference call. Worst case scenario, when noise levels are out of your control, mute your mic during group calls.
Stand
Did you know that there are multiple ways to sit incorrectly? Chances are you’re probably in one of those positions right now as you read this. The list of sitting ‘don’ts’ is so long that we decided to skip that and get right to the ‘do’s. And that is: stand instead.
Sitting all day at a desk isn’t the healthiest option. We recommend switching it up on average of 15 minutes every hour.
Make a standing desk with the tools you have at home. An ironing board can be adjusted to different heights, which makes it a great option for a standing desk. Dislike ironing? Stack some boxes out on your balcony and take your standing work station outside.
Do you have an idea for an improvised standing desk or other tips and tricks you use to create your working space at home? We’d love to hear them!