Do Not Get Too Casual; It is Still Work! ZOOM Etiquette by Dianne Floyd Sutton

Full Disclosure: Dianne Floyd Sutton is one of my mentors and I consider her a friend. She is a savvy “give it to you straight with no chaser” human resources expert turned author. Her book “Workplace Savvy,” provides practical applications and strategies for navigating your career in the workplace. Things that baby boomers were taught are no longer part of today’s workplace. Dianne Sutton provides worksheets to back up her years of advice. This book is the equivalent to a “workplace bible” and it’s not just for young people. Older workers can benefit from this wonderful resource guide that provides a framework for employees to understanding and be successful in the current and future workplace environment.

Do Not Get Too Casual; It is Still Work!

ZOOM Etiquette

Dianne Floyd Sutton, aka “Lady D!”

Great, you are working at home. You wanted this. Now we can all Zoom, Skype, and use Micro Teams and whatever. Always remember it is still work. Work is a mindset – an attitude – your style of thinking about what you do. Many of you said you could do it at home and even better. Well…

In the olden days, 1987, I started my business in my basement in Washington, DC. I converted the whole basement into an office setting. I would get dressed every morning, grab my handbag, and walk out of the front door. I would then walk to the back-basement entrance to enter my business. Now that is not necessary today, but it still helps to create a symbol or protocol or habit that enables you to enhance your mindset for your work, start your day. You get the idea.

Always remember that you have entered into a contractual agreement with your employer. Even though you are working at home, that contractual agreement still exists. Show integrity. Do your job. Use your professional presence.

As Lady Di. I have noticed that many employees are confusing work with social time or their “me” time. So in hopes of keeping you employed, a list is begun of etiquette for these times. With more observations, I will include more. What do you think? What would you add?

ZOOM Etiquette Suggestions

Keep your background neutral. No one needs to see your trophies, posters, or anything sexy.
Unless you work for a political organization, political signs, buttons, banners, or t-shirts should not be visible.
Dress for success, so watch your casualness and grooming. Wrinkled clothes do not look good on the camera. Take the lead from your supervisor on what to wear when everyone is visible. What is she or he wearing when you video conference?
Allow quiet moments for comments or media to catch up. A few moments of silence is typical.
Remember to keep a pleasant expression on your face. You are on the camera.
No eating or smacking or gum chewing on camera.
Yes, I know you need that coffee, tea, shake, water near you, but what happens if anything spills at the wrong time.
Mute the audio if you get angry and want to say something you may regret later or express a bodily function.

Always remember that you have a professional presence, even at home.

Dianne Floyd Sutton, aka “Lady Di,” is a savvy “give it to you straight with no chaser” human resources expert turned author. Her book “Workplace Savvy,” provides practical applications and strategies for navigating your career in the workplace. Workers of any age or generation can benefit from this fantastic resource guide that provides a framework for employees to be successful in the current and the post-COVID-19 workplace environment.

What do you get when you sign-up for a Dianne Sutton event? You get an accomplished speaker, facilitator, educator, author, coach, mentor, and businesswoman. She is an expert and pioneer in the psychology of people. Do you want humor and engagement? You want an intellectual “truth-teller?” Do you want a coach with compassion and empathy? Then you better hire Dianne Sutton because she has all of these qualities to help you and your organization.