Setting Up the Ideal Home Office for Virtual Meetings
We live in a time when virtual meetings are the norm. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, chances are you are using Zoom or other video conference tools to conduct business at least occasionally. And when you’re running a company out of your home, the chances are even greater.
For that reason, it’s critical that your home office is set up to impress during virtual meetings. Among other things, this means decorating your space, investing in equipment, and putting your equipment in the right position. Consequently, staging your office for virtual meetings will also benefit your in-person meetings! If you need to upgrade your home office space for business meetings, check out these simple tips.
Know your “why.”
Whether you’re meeting with current or potential clients or business partners, your home office needs to look professional. It needs to be both appealing and functional. Not only will this reflect well on your company, but it may also boost the resale value of your home. When making upgrades and updates, be sure to track your progress by keeping receipts and taking photos. When you make improvements to your home office, you may even be eligible for tax deductions, so be sure to speak with a reputable tax professional.
Increase safety.
In some instances, you may need to have visitors come into your home office. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to keep yourself and your guests safe during the pandemic. Make sure you maintain social distancing, which is still considered to be six feet apart. Offer your visitors hand sanitizer and masks when they come in. Moreover, ensure there is adequate ventilation in your office; on sunny days, you may want to keep the windows open. And look into adding UV lighting to your HVAC system, which is known to help slow the spread of viruses.
Go all-in on staging.
Now, to the fun part—staging your home office to impress! A great place to start is with lighting. Nothing beats natural light, so figure out how to bring some sunlight into your office, particularly where you will be hosting virtual meetings. And for additional lighting, opt for lamps instead of overhead lighting. Also, consider your background for virtual meetings. Make sure the area is free of clutter, and decorate it tastefully. A nice, clean bookshelf or a textured wall can go a long way in giving your background a professional look. Furthermore, think about yourself; dress to impress, whether you’re meeting with a client, a potential business partner, or anyone else!
Get the right equipment.
No home office is complete without being outfitted with all the equipment and tools you need to complete your daily tasks. For virtual meetings, you will need an up-to-date computer that you can rely on. Look into widescreen monitors that will enable you to see each person at the meeting clearly. And make sure you have a high-quality camera and microphone, whether they come on your computer or you have to buy them separately.
Make the necessary adjustments.
Finally, your equipment must be in the right position for your meetings to appear professional. For example, the camera lens should be perpendicular to the floor, and your face should come through either at eye level or from a slightly higher angle. Additionally, your microphone must be in a position that allows your voice to be heard clearly; you don’t want your voice volume to be too low to be heard, or so high that it distorts. Moreover, keep your legs perpendicular to the floor, and make ergonomic adjustments to your equipment heights so that you can work healthily.
These days, it’s more important than ever to have a home office that accommodates virtual meetings. Keep the tips above in mind as you make any necessary changes to your space to make it professional and attractive. And be sure to keep all parties safe in the process!
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