Virtual etiquettes: Rules to get working from home right

See here some useful and important etiquettes to keep in mind in the era of the virtual workplace.

Niraalee Shah, CEO, The British School of Etiquette India, https://niraaleeshah.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ImageBuildingandEtiquetteMapping , https://www.instagram.com/niraalee_shah/

It is strange to see times changing where once we never got tired of being always on the phone to now finding every possible way to take a break from the screen. The lockdown has affected us beyond our expectations and has changed our ways of living for generations to come.

From working professionals to children to our very own mothers, everyone has been using technology as an extended identity of themselves and as they started to adjust in the new normal, the post Covid era introduced a culture of the virtual workplace which created a world within a world.

What is the virtual workplace?

Virtual Workplace or Digital Workplace is exactly the fancier name of this WFH with technology. This has subtly penetrated our lives and has seamlessly deported us to this virtual world. But as we progressed through, we realised this change has opened to many more challenges than before.

Some small minor omissions like turning on or off the video while talking or is it appropriate to eat while on the virtual meet, started to make a lot of difference. Virtual Etiquette is a whole new ball game, so we have new rules and we want you to count on them.

Introducing ‘Digital Etiquettes’ that you should observe while logging in:

1) MUTE, if not speaking

The thumb rule to virtual meetings is to mute your mic if you're not speaking. It is possible your house is pretty noisy unless you live alone.

Muting your microphone when you’re not speaking gives other participants the ability to chime in and share their thoughts without children crying or pressure cooker whistles in the background.

2) Be well dressed

Take a few minutes to throw on a clean shirt and brush your hair. The best part of actually getting ready while working remotely is that you’ll put yourself in the right headspace to be productive. Keep aside those extra minutes to look presentable and formal, and would realize the difference it makes to your online presence and productivity.

3) Know what's behind

Your co-workers won’t be able to hear your ideas or take you seriously when there is a pile of dirty clothes in the corner behind you.

Adjust your work setup nicely and choose a spot so that you face a window or are exposed to plenty of light.

4) No Food. No Drinks

It is important to be conducive to what others are doing. No one wants to see you stuff your face with chips while discussing important business matters. Try to eat a snack before your virtual meeting.

However, there are also virtual office parties nowadays and in that case, do carry your drink, but again be conducive and abide by the rules of the same.

5) Be attentive while being present

It may be tempting to check your inbox or carry on a parallel conversation during a dull moment in a meeting, It is advised not to check your smartphone or answer phone calls while on a virtual meeting.

If you’re using your webcam, use attentive body language like sitting up straight and not letting your eyes wander too much. Do not leave the meeting without saying so to your colleagues.

6) Meeting Agenda

Sara Sutton, CEO, and Founder of Flex Job Corporation once said "Agendas don't have to belong, involved, or even particularly detailed.”

“By providing staff with an agenda, attendees know what to expect, can guesstimate how long it will run, and, if there is an element of participation, will allow them to prepare talking points,” Sara Sutton added.

Another often missed yet important thing to remember, is to make the topic to be discussed relevant to at least three people in the meeting. Otherwise, send an email on the topic or conduct a smaller meeting. Virtual meetings have to be more mindful than just a tick box exercise.

7) Video-ON

Video adds a human touch to meetings. Being seen on video is an important element of conference call etiquette, especially in the current scenario.

If you're in an emergency and unable to attend the meeting, it is courteous to inform your absence beforehand to not let others wait aimlessly.

8) Help others too

It sounds simple, but it's worth stating clearly if you're inviting someone to an online meeting, they must have access to the right software or hardware to join in.

Make sure you announce meetings with plenty of notice so participants can download or acquire what they need to participate in.

Please check out the article on https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/-virtual-ettiquettes-rules-to-do-working-from-home-right-1722343-2020-09-16, written by Niraalee Shah, CEO-India, British School of Etiquette, India.

Niraalee Shah is the Founder of Image Building and Etiquette Mapping India. After becoming a certified international etiquette trainer with The British School of Etiquette (BSE) in England, Niraalee decided to share the training, vision and mission of BSE with India. She then partnered with BSE to set up The British School of Etiquette India. As the CEO of BSE India, Niraalee aims to extend her wealth of knowledge to corporates and organizations globally in India.