Mastering Digital Etiquette: Essential Business Rules

You need to behave correctly not only offline, but also in an online community. Today we’ll discuss how to communicate with colleagues without fuss, chaos and swearing.

Just imagine that you need to listen to 15 minutes of someone’s speech to find a correct answer. But if you can't work without an audio format, send the text with the main theses to the partner.

Many people are mutating chats, and there are very few left who don’t practice such a strategy. Get into their position and send all the necessary information in one message.

Use the reply function. You just need it in group chats to save time on diving into the previous context.

Only loved ones and horror movie characters can call at any time. Don't fall into these categories? Then arrange a call in advance. This will increase the likelihood that a colleague will turn on the sound on the phone and join the conversation.

We recommend asking directly: “Can I record audio? When can we talk?”

A chat is a space where everyone gets their responsibilities, reads the news or consults with others. Move memes, discussion of personal issues, as well as a thousand ideas for a new project in a different direction.

Before joining the chat, find out if it’s possible to write outside working hours, discuss something besides work issues, and whether there are branded stickers.

You should turn notifications on only for a breaking news space. There are working hours for other questions.

Write only during the working day

This will show your politeness and respect for your colleague. In most cases, your question will wait until morning.

Schedule

You’d better send delayed messages at the beginning of the next day. Such a behavior won’t disturb the other person, and you won’t need to read the chat at an inconvenient time.

Even if the background of your apartment doesn’t demonstrate the latest fashion renovation, don’t rush to go to the hardware store and contact the designers. Remember our rules better and work calls will be held with benefit and peace of mind for all participants.

This is the first and most important rule of Zoom etiquette. In addition, it’s also a great motivation to maintain a neat appearance. Colleagues won’t be confused about a speaker and from whom the question came. Video communication proves that you’re completely immersed in the processes, and haven’t gone to the kitchen to make yourself a sandwich.

Turn off the sound when you stop talking

In practice, if more than five colleagues are involved in the call, background sounds become a powerful distraction. Are you just a listener? Then turn off the microphone, give the floor to others and get into the position of an observer.

Usually, beginners take a long time to adapt and immerse themselves in internal processes. If you see an employee on the call who has recently joined the company, generate a small talk and ask about his affairs.

You may think that this is too simple and obvious, but this rule is most often violated. The participants will never understand the essence of the conversation if they interrupt each other. But if all this is accompanied by low-speed Internet, the situation will be even worse.

Activate the raised hand icon if you want to participate in the conversation. Due to this simple step, colleagues will notice your politeness, as well as not lose their thoughts and bring the dialogue to an end.

If you plan to launch a screen demonstration, then take care of it in advance. Otherwise, all cartoons, online store orders and unexpected notifications will become publicly available.

This simple tool doesn’t reduce the productivity of the call, but allows you to defuse the atmosphere and exhale. Try to stand out, because no one will be already surprised by the banal space graphics.