While attending and arranging zoom meetings from the past four months, we all have become pro at it (at least in our heads). We think we know everything about the process of an online meeting and are making the best use of technology. Sure, we do but don’t you think we’re taking it way too easy and are losing some points on professionalism?

With the pandemic still prevailing, the transition from office to work from home continues and voice/video conferencing stays to be the most effective way for communication among the team and senior leaders. For instance, the daily meeting participants over Zoom sprang from 10 million (pre-lockdown) to 300 million during the lockdown. So, it’s time that we address and follow these five simple Zoom call etiquette before tuning in:

Rule No 1: Turn Up On Time
And that doesn’t mean that if the meeting is scheduled for say 11:00, then you click to join at the exact time. Log in at least five minutes before and wait for everyone to join. This shows that you take such meetings earnestly and are well-prepared.

Rule No 2: Do Not Multi-task
In the normal scenarios, it’s a skill everyone praises you for but while working from home and during a Zoom meeting, refrain from multitasking. Nobody wants to hear you typing and replying to emails during an online meeting and distract others from having a rather productive discussion.

Rule No 3: Be Present (Not Just Physically)
Logging on to the call and staying for the entire duration is not enough – Listen to the discussion being held and participate when asked for. It’s very important to be present and professional during a Zoom meeting. When you take part in a discussion, it also manifests that you are contributing and active even while working from home.

Rule No 4: Be Respectful
Since it’s been so long we haven’t met our teammates, colleagues and seniors, it becomes more important to be respectful and kind towards each other. Greet everyone, pay attention, do not intervene when someone else is speaking, and be pleasant while making your point.

Rule No 5: Eat Before or After the Call
A cup of coffee or tea is still fine but eating your lunch while on Zoom call isn’t nice. Especially crunchy foods, no one wants to hear you chewing your favourite snack while all they are trying to hear the healthy and productive conversation.

During a video/voice meeting, even the slightest movements and sounds can be very distracting and irk others. People who are still adjusting to video/voice call interactions, recognizing and taking care of these subtle conversational cues that occur in the world of video conferencing can be very helpful.