Working From Home Doesn't Need To Be Boring

Whether you are Working From Home for the first time or whether you are an old hat and know the ins and outs of working from home I want to share a tip that makes me smile.

Using Virtual Backgrounds on Zoom

Just last week I was “at” Pipeline, the famous surf break on the North Shore. I also “went” to Easter Island and Machu Picchu and even “watched” some dolphins playing in the surf. Here are a few pics of my adventures.

So, instead of showing whatever is behind you in your home office, kitchen, or wherever you may be … you can have a little fun and from my experience bring a few smiles to the people on that conference call.

With Zoom ... you can add pictures and videos. Note: there are default pics and videos that are pretty fun too - a beach with swaying palms, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc. However, if you want to personalize it … you have options. Go Wild!

Pro Tip: Turn Your Camera On for all conference calls

Encourage others to do the same. It’s amazing how many others will when they see you have yours on.

Of course, you can always just have a work pic. This is my office in Austin, TX. One of my colleagues asked me if I was in the office. As much as I love Austin I had to say no.

Note: I’m guessing Microsoft Teams, Webex, JoinMe and others have similar features. If you know how to do that please feel free to add a comment here or on the social network where you are seeing this. (PS - Microsoft Teams has a really cool "Blur Background" option)

WFH Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

Have a little fun. Bring a smile to the faces of those on your next conference call.

You can travel to Mordor, Alderaan, or even The Matrix

Reminder Best Practice: Turn Your Camera On!

A colleague I know thru the IAMCP requires cameras to be on during her team calls. Not to shame people for their bad hair days, but to make that visual connection. It works. Especially in times like these where we might need that visual connection more than ever.

Wait? What? How Do I Do That?

If you are asking yourself this … here are a few screenshots and a video to walk you thru it. This video is less than 2 minutes and shows how to go thru the “settings” gear icon.

Request for you:  If you do this or something like this today please share your ideas in the comments. Help us all work better from home and eventually back in the office and on the road.

• Have some fun.
• Post your most creative pictures and videos.
• And, encourage others to do the same.

See you on the next conference call.

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This was originally published here

Tags: #FutureOfWork #GTD #WFH #WAH #CoronaVirus