Ah, Zoom. Thanks to the pandemic, and the rise of remote working, this video-conferencing app has become an integral part of our daily work routine. Sure, there are alternatives to it. But by far, Zoom is the preferred app by many workers and employers alike. We use Zoom for most of our online interactions with our co-workers, from virtual meetings to Christmas parties.
That said, there are Zoom meeting rules that you should follow, just like when you’re meeting face to face. These rules are a part of remote work etiquette. Following them ensures that your relationships with your boss and co-workers remain professional and cordial.
Curious to know what these rules are? Well, you’ve come to the right article then. Here, I shall talk about the various Zoom etiquettes for remote workers that you should practice during your Zoom meetings. Of course, you can also apply these etiquette rules when doing virtual meetings on other video-conferencing apps, so don’t restrict these on Zoom only.
Don’t Be Late.
Let’s start with one of the most basic Zoom etiquettes for remote workers, which is don’t be late for your meetings. Yep, just like in a regular office meeting, it’s very disrespectful for you to arrive at your virtual meetings late. Doing so shows that you’re unreliable and don’t value your co-workers’ or boss’ time. And no, citing “Filipino time” is not a legitimate excuse.
To avoid being late in your Zoom meetings, be online ahead of time so you have plenty of time to spare. If you’re a forgetful person, you should set a reminder, such as an alarm, so you don’t forget your meeting. Be sure that you also have the matching link as well. So that you won’t have to waste time looking or asking for one.
Make Sure Your Schedule Has No Conflicting Meetings.
When agreeing on a time for your meeting with your boss or co-worker/s, ensure that you have no other appointments during the agreed-upon time. Similar to my previous point, aside from being rude, doing this shows that you’re disorganized and annoying to work with.
The best way to prevent this is to always check your schedule before confirming your presence. If you already have something during the agreed-upon time, notify the people you’re meeting with about it so they can reschedule the meeting.
Turn On Your Camera Whenever Possible.
One of the main reasons you’re using Zoom in the first place is so that you can see the person you’re talking to online, right? If so, you should keep your camera turned on during Zoom meetings. If you want a virtual meeting without having to show your face, why not just do an online call?
Aside from showing that you’re present, having your camera turned on also makes the meeting more engaging. Turning on your camera also helps you remain focused instead of doing something else.
When you turn on your camera, make sure that your background isn’t distracting for everyone else. Doing this helps keep everyone focused on the meeting. And it also makes you look like a professional in the eyes of your boss or co-workers.
Reduce the Number of Background Noise During Zoom Meetings.
Another of the Zoom etiquettes for remote workers that you should do is reduce the number of background noises during meetings. Nothing is more annoying during Zoom meetings than disruptive background noise. These range from an electric fan too close to your microphone, a noisy family member, or your pets.
One way to achieve this is by setting up your workspace in a more private part of your house. This could be your own room or an unused room, so long as background noises won’t be able to easily reach you. If you have the money for it, you can also try soundproofing your room.
Mute Yourself When You’re Not Talking.
Next, let’s talk about muting yourself during Zoom meetings. Doing this is one of the basic Zoom etiquettes for remote workers that you should follow. Aside from lessening the background noise when your boss or co-worker is talking, it also prevents you from exposing potentially embarrassing things while in a meeting.
Inversely, don’t forget to remember unmuting yourself when it’s your turn to speak. It’s pretty awkward for you to discuss something at length with your boss and co-workers… only to find that they haven’t heard anything because you’re still muted. Not only will you have to repeat what you said, you just wasted your and your listeners’ time as well.
Avoid Eating or Drinking While on a Zoom Meeting.
And last but not least, unless you’re attending an informal event or a party, avoid eating or drinking when in a Zoom meeting. Aside from being a source of distraction for others, eating in front of your co-workers or boss shows that you’re unprofessional towards them.
Remember, a Zoom meeting is still a formal meeting. So put away your meals, or at least mute and turn off your video, as a sign of respect for your co-workers and boss. Be sure to ask for permission before doing the latter, however. Taking a sip is fine, especially if you’re presenting something, but don’t spend the entire meeting drinking.
Manners Maketh Man.
Thanks to the growing popularity of remote work, many conveniences once only dreamed of by workers are now a reality. An example of this is virtual meetings. With virtual meetings, you do not need to commute to your office to present your reports.
However, having this convenience should not make you lose your professionalism during meetings. To help you maintain that, here are some of the Zoom etiquettes for remote workers that you should practice. I hope this article will guide you be more professional and presentable the next time you attend a Zoom meeting.
