6 Zoom blunders that are never excusable

Working from home has become the norm for many people as we go through the coronavirus pandemic.

To keep in touch with each other, teams are using a wide variety of productivity tools and meeting software. Proper etiquette should be adhered to, as well as researching to understand the platforms you are using fully.

By now, you’ve probably encountered many distracting or inappropriate behaviors from your colleagues or superiors.

If you want to stay in good standings with your job or clients, here are the six things you should never do on Zoom, or any other video conferencing platform, for the matter.

Typing or allowing noise without muting yourself

Don’t be that person. You know the one. The colleague who forgets to mute their microphone as they’re typing furiously on their keyboard, has kids screaming in the background, or is talking to someone in the background. Not only is this rude, but it’ll make you look bad, especially in large meetings. 

Of course, there is some level of understanding as everyone continues to adjust to the new “normal.” But, just remember to mute your mic. Some software, like Zoom, has a setting where you can mute your mic automatically. You’ll only unmute when you need to talk.

Eating, drinking, or smoking

Managing your schedule while working from home can be tricky, especially if everyone in your family is there.

However, make time to get food or something to drink before or after any scheduled meetings. There is a different dynamic on a video call than when you are working in the office, as the screen focuses on your face. 

If you’re too busy to make that happen, be courteous, and ask if anyone on the meeting minds you eating lunch given your situation.

Checking your phone or other apps on your computer

One of the worst things you can do at a Zoom meeting is make it evident that you aren’t paying attention. If you’re on video, your colleagues and boss can see you!

Don’t look at your phone or glance at other applications on your computer. It’s really obvious in smaller meetings, and in larger meetings, simply turn your camera off if you need to multi-task.

Leaving without notice

You’ll confuse other people in the meeting if you randomly get up and walk away. Try to avoid this if at all possible.

But, if it’s a necessity, leave a note in the meeting’s chat explaining why you are disappearing. In this case, you can either leave your camera on or turn it off temporarily. 

Adjusting your camera

You should test your camera angle before a scheduled meeting and avoid messing with it altogether when you’re in the middle of one.

Once you get the angle you want, use this location for all of your meetings to avoid any weird camera views. Make sure the camera is eye level or pointing down at you, and the picture is clear.

Navigating tech issues

Nothing is worse than when you experience tech issues during a scheduled meeting. It’s embarrassing for you and annoying to the person on the other end. The last thing you want is to waste your boss or colleague’s time with tech hiccups. 

That’s why it’s essential that you test out your camera, microphone, and software about thirty minutes prior to having a meeting. You can even do a trial run with colleagues or friends and family to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Give yourself even more time if you are working with software that you have never used before.