Working from home and joining video calls from a home office is becoming more and more common. While comfortable clothes and not having to commute save time, making sure your home workspace is presentable for video calls is important. The last thing anyone wants is for their boss and colleagues to catch sight of inappropriate books and last night’s dinner pots stacked up in the sink. Follow these tips to ensure your background looks professional and tidy when on video calls.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential for looking your best on camera. Place a lamp behind your computer screen to illuminate your face. Avoid sitting with a window behind you, as the harsh backlighting will make you look dark and hard to see. Close blinds or curtains to cut down on glare if needed. Test out your lighting beforehand to find the optimal setup. Proper lighting removes shadows and helps you look alert and engaged. Peruse British interior design magazines for lighting ideas.
Background
Take a careful look at what’s visible behind and around you before joining those video calls. Remove clutter like piles of laundry or dishes that could appear messy or distracting on camera. Bookshelves and houseplants make for pleasant backdrops if they are tidied up but be sure to move any questionable novels from view.
Make sure your background is quiet as well. Turn off the TV or close doors to avoid interruptions from pets or family members. A clean, peaceful setting will keep the focus on you.
Camera Positioning
Place your laptop or monitor at eye level with the camera, rather than looking down at the screen. This creates a more flattering angle. Sit up straight and look directly into the camera when speaking, to give the impression of eye contact. Move distracting objects like phones out of the frame. Position an extra light source next to or behind the camera to brightly illuminate your face.
Dress for Success
The old saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” applies here. Business casual is perfectly appropriate for video calls from your home office. An ironed blouse or collared shirt looks polished and put together. Since the camera only shows your top half, you can wear comfortable bottoms like joggers or pyjama shorts. Avoid overly busy patterns or harsh colours that can look jarring on camera.
Check Your Setup Ahead of Time
Hop on a test video call with a friend or colleague beforehand to work out any kinks. Ask them if the lighting flatters you, the angle is straight on, and the background looks tidy. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is strong in your workspace, to avoid choppy video or drops during important calls. Close other programs and tabs on your computer to optimise performance. Following these tips will give off an assured, professional impression from the comfort of your own home.
With good lighting, a tidy background, proper positioning, and quality attire, your home workspace can look just as crisp and polished as an office. A bit of preparation ensures you come across as credible and savvy on all those video calls. If your home office needs a makeover, look to British house interior design for inspiration.