The COVID-19 pandemic has put a damp on all known human outdoor activity for god-knows when. Like as of this moment, we are all stuck in the confines of our homes.

Now if you’re still one of the few who is fortunately working from home, expect to have a regular team meeting or even a daily huddle as a means of keeping in touch, being informed on the organization’s latest updates and lastly keeping your sanity intact via socialization albeit virtual.

With this prospect in mind, I’d like to offer some cool tips on what to do whenever a virtual company meeting is called for.

Virtual Group Meetings 101

Have Sufficient Lighting

Be sure to have ample and sufficient lighting to enable colleagues to see you and not just your silhouette. If possible, position yourself where the window is in front and not in the back. This is to ensure that your face is clearly seen.

Dress Appropriately

Sure working from home allows a lot of flexibility as far as dress code is concerned, you can wear your everyday clothes or even work in your jammies BUT please dress appropriately during video meetings as some companies require an actual visage and not just an avatar.

Pay Attention

If your organization requires that you turn on your webcam, then be sure to have your full attention on the meeting. Don’t multitask as this would probably be a distraction and would result in you missing some important details, announcement or the like.

It will also be disrespectful to the host when your focus is not 100% in the meeting but in some other tasks you are simultaneously doing or even checking on your social media accounts.

Avoid Distractions

Eliminate possible distractions that may occur during the meeting. These can range from noise from dogs barking, music playing too loud or even those adorable kids tugging at your headset or peaking every now and then.

It’s prudent to ascertain that you’re working from the comforts of your room or find a place where it is not easily accessible and prone to unnecessary distractions. Basement anyone?

While working from home allows certain comforts, it’s also important to still have the business-like air about it as to avoid making the familiar too familiar.