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By Annalise Rein
The balance and structure of work life and associated events have drastically changed these past few years. Gallup’s report here highlights that five in ten workers are opting for a hybrid work setup as of 2022, and the preference for this type of work is still increasing.
Because more people are spending time both on-site and at home, it’s crucial that virtual meetings are of the highest quality. Our blog post highlights that smoothing out technical difficulties and addressing concerns on the host’s or event holder’s end is crucial for audience engagement and the best hybrid experience. But what about the participants? Like in-person meetings, observing the proper etiquette is still essential for virtual ones.
Here are the best practices to keep in mind the next time you’re in a virtual meeting:
Dress for success
A more comfortable and casual style seems to make the most sense when in a virtual meeting. Dress codes are also much looser since people are attending meetings from home, but it’s still not appropriate to show up wearing your pajamas or looking disheveled like you just woke up. This doesn’t mean you must be dressed to the nines every time you attend a virtual meeting, but knowing how to dress for the occasion is still good etiquette.
You may only be showing a shoulders-up view of yourself, but it helps to keep your appearance and clothing neat and clean, even if you’re dressed more casually. This article notes that the way you look is vital for making an impression, especially in a professional setting. Mirroring the appearance of people in important positions while still looking your best can make you stand out amongst the many screens and may help open up new opportunities. If you’re conducting the meeting, you can also ask people to dress accordingly or suggest a dress code for the occasion to keep everyone uniform.
Mind your manners
During virtual meetings, the line between professional and home settings becomes more blurred; the things you’re not permitted to do at work may be something you can do at home. As such, you might not see an issue with doing something like smoking during a virtual meeting since you’re not seeing each other in person. However, it can still be seen as rude and off-putting to other meeting participants, especially with your camera on.
Even without smoking, you can still get a dose of nicotine in a more discreet way through smokeless alternatives. Nicotine pouches are small pouches made with nicotine, flavorings and food-grade fillers. Online retailer Prilla’s selection here showcases how brands like ZYN, VELO, and Rouge offer tobacco and smoke-free pouches in a wide spectrum of flavors and strengths. They don’t produce smoke or require spitting, so they’re discreet enough to use during virtual meetings. Another popular alternative is nicotine patches, which are stuck onto the skin instead of used orally. Patches can supply a sustained nicotine dose for as long as 24 hours. This study reveals that NicoDerm CQ is a leading brand in the nicotine replacement therapy industry, accounting for 5.7% of over-the-counter sales.
Avoid multitasking
Virtual meetings may let you get away with doing other activities simultaneously, but if your camera is on, it may be obvious to other participants that you are doing something else. If you don’t check your email, send a message, or use your phone during an in-person meeting, avoid doing the same during a virtual one. Paying attention lets the speaker and other participants know you’re engaged and helps you catch important information.
Before the meeting, ensure that urgent affairs are settled and that distractions are taken care of. Close unrelated browser tabs, put your phone on silent mode and shut the TV off. Try to send that important email or message before the meeting or send it afterwards if it isn’t urgent. Taking notes can help you stay focused and keep track of information, but make sure it doesn’t take up all your attention—stick to jotting down keywords and essential points instead of noting every minute detail.
These practices can help you make a good impression on other attendees and prevent major distractions from occurring during a virtual meeting. Whether you’re the host or a participant, being courteous to others and mindful of yourself can make for a successful meeting.
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