Welcome to the Virtual World: Remote Work and Video Conferencing Tips

Since its inception, Supporting Strategies has embraced the remote-work model. In fact, Forbes and CNBC have both included Supporting Strategies in their lists of growing companies offering work-from-home opportunities.

Now that so many people find themselves joining us in working remotely, we'd like to share some tips about working from home:

• Have a designated spot to work. If you're fortunate enough to have an office at home, that's great. If not, find a space and set it up so you have everything you need in one place. It doesn't have to be fancy, just functional. Doing this will also help you focus and almost feel like you're in an office.
  
  
• Try to stay on the same schedule (or a schedule). It's easy to sleep in when you can flex your work routine but you'll be more productive and feel better if you stick to the same schedule every day. A nice bonus: Since your commute is shorter, you can set your alarm for later.
  
  
• Dress as you would in person. You can probably keep your bunny slippers on, but make sure the rest of your outfit is work-appropriate. This is also a good rule to follow for all those video calls and meetings that so many of us are attending. Even if you don't plan to stand up, you might need to, so think twice before wearing your favorite pair of gym shorts.
  
  
• Check yourself in the mirror (and webcam). Some video meetings now are a little more casual than they were before the COVID-19 crisis, but it's a good idea to confirm your hair and face still look good. Plus, it will help your mental attitude if you've showered and done your hair, makeup, etc.
  
  
• What's that behind you? Before you join or start a meeting, check your background. Remember, everyone can see what's behind you, so rearrange your furniture and decorate to create a professional-looking environment. Yes, some platforms allow you to display a background image, but make sure that looks okay too. If you don't, people may be too distracted by your background to pay attention to what you're saying.
  
  
• Normal rules apply (mostly). Whether a meeting is virtual or face-to-face, people hate to have their time wasted. If you're running a meeting, be prepared and don't let one person go on forever. Moderate and ensure each participant is respectful of all other parties. Also, if everyone will be introducing themselves, the leader should pick who starts and who goes next. Otherwise, you'll have people talking over each other and no one will hear what's being said.
  
  
• Shut it! If you're not talking, please mute yourself. I was on a group call the other day where we could all hear one person shushing his kids because he neglected to mute himself. It distracted us from what the speaker was saying. The leader should have politely asked everyone to go on "mute" when not speaking.

However you are managing your work-from-home routine, we wish you productivity, great connections and good health.