If there is one word that can describe the new work arrangements in self-isolation, it would be Zoom.
For a lot of busy professionals, Zoom has been a revelation. The social media video platform has become an essential of the home office kit. It allows participants to connect via video conferencing. As such, it helps companies to maintain the bond to their teams.
If you’re running Zoom meetings every day, chances are that the novelty feeling has now faded. Therefore, your interlocutors might be displaying signs of lockdown fatigue. Indeed, as helpful as video conferencing can be, it isn’t always enough to keep professionals motivated, focused, and committed. Can you use Zoom to lift the mood? The answer is yes. Here’s how to zoom up your work life.
The Zoom-Etiquette
Your home office equipment needs to be conference ready. In short, you need a webcam and a microphone to start making the most of Zoom. Thankfully, finding a quality microphone is a lot easier than it seems. You can find reliable headsets on Amazon – and you’re in luck, the e-commerce giant has guaranteed express delivery for essential work items. It can be a good idea to add a lamp or ring light to adjust the lighting throughout the day. While dressing up for the meeting is essential to make a good impression, self-isolation changes the rules. You can relax your work outfit a little!
Set an entrance challenge
When you zoom your colleagues every day, you can afford to add some creativity to your video meetings. Remember that most people are beginning to experience cabin fever during the lockdown. As such, elevating the mood with a fun challenge can work wonders. Why not set a theme for simple costume ideas, such as an A-Team meeting? You could also start the session by slowly driving a remote-controlled Traxxas into sight to the A-Team credit tunes. It will only take a few minutes of your meeting, but it’s enough to bring a smile on people’s faces.
Coffee meetings are a popular brainstorming idea
Coffee meetings have always been a great way of getting to know people and discussing new ideas. However, when you’re stuck at home, you can’t head to your local coffee shop for a networking event. Nevertheless, you can still follow the usual coffee networking rules to reach out to partners and clients. Keep things open and clear from the start, such as explaining what you expect from the meeting. Keep it light-hearted and friendly – you can even attach your favorite chai recipe at home to the invite.
But can I wear loungewear?
I don’t agree that you should go full on casual, it’s still important to present yourself in professional manner on video. Of course, this depends on your industry. Dressing up for a digital meeting is great to way keep normalcy. While you should, ideally, change from your pajamas, you can still wear a tee with a jacket or cardigan for a layered look and a relaxed pair of jeans or joggers (since no one will see your legs). If you run a team, make it clear to them that the dress to impress rule doesn’t apply to the lockdown.
Zoom is changing our work life for the better. It bridges the gap between self-isolated employees and allows people to collaborate on a joint project. More importantly, you can also use Zoom to share new ideas, network, and entertain your team. Stay at home, stay safe, but also help everyone to stay connected.
