Open workspaces mean one thing – we need to learn how to work alongside each other in an open environment. This calls for a new kind of etiquette, particularly when it comes to things that can affect co-workers near you, such as videoconferencing.

Follow these tips to set the right tone in your office…

• Huddle Up And Close The Door – The best way to handle a video call is to take advantage of a huddle room and close the door. Your co-workers will appreciate it, and it will enable you to stay more focused on the call.
• Put On Your Best Headset – In a public space, be sure to have a quality piece of equipment that includes a microphone so you don’t need to shout to be heard. This will also ensure you don’t have to constantly repeat yourself and distract your neighbors.
• The Right Angle – When it comes to videoconferencing in a public space, make sure the camera is focused on your face and eliminates as much of your surroundings as possible. This minimizes background distractions and keeps co-workers on the call focused.
• Turn It Down – It’s easy to get invested in a call and forget how loud you seem to those around you. Remind yourself to keep it down while you’re talking, unless you want everyone around you to chime in.
• Give Fair Warning – One of the easiest ways to avoid problems with video calls is to let your coworkers know when you have one scheduled.
• Keep It Quiet – Keeping your video calls as quiet as you can will earn you the respect of your co-workers. And remember to mute that extra line whenever you dial in to a conference using both your computer and your phone to avoid creating that annoying shrieking noise.

With a little self-coaching to remember The Golden Rule, videoconferencing makes sense for any office configuration.

Videoconferencing is affordable, makes team meetings easy, and cuts travel costs… Learn more about the latest solutions. Contact us today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.