The modus operandi of many companies have changed since the COVID-19 rocked most businesses globally. Where public health became a top priority for many countries, businesses had to adapt the work from home model to keep their business afloat and the economy thriving.

With that came the shift from face-to-face meetings to virtual meetings - enabling the use of previously existing tools - for communication, planning and even company social activities.

However, some offices have gradually resumed physical operations with only a few activities done virtually. But there are takeaways from online meetings, healthy habits - especially with regards to relations and etiquette, that we people are still lacking and need to adopt in order to improve efficiency and promote a healthy work environment.

Be informed before joining

So you don't want to join a meeting you have no clue about what the conversation is. It makes it frustrating for everyone when ideas are being shared and you 'don't know what on earth they're talking about.' It also makes you look unserious and confused.

So before the start of the meeting, it's best to go over the meeting brief to familiarise yourself with it and prepare your points clearly.

Don't talk over people

Oftentimes, people in a virtual call just want to talk and get it over with. We know that. But it will be nice for everyone to express themselves in a very arranged manner. Talking over people makes the meeting rowdy and can really be frustrating for the people who are listening to five voices at a time.

Consider flashing your mic before speaking or raising your hand so everyone knows that you have something to say.

Ask questions on the go

The one thing about virtual meetings is the fact that you may not be aware that you are speaking to yourself. So you want to make sure that you ask 'can anyone hear me' while you speak at intervals just to make sure people are following.

Also, you may need to make sure that you are not asking that question after each sentence. It becomes annoying and makes you appear as though you have no clue what you are talking about.

Type when network cuts you off

One of the things about virtual meetings is that you may experience network breaks at intervals and that messes with your audio quality. When that happens, try not to keep speaking as it may disturb the flow of the meeting and give bad audio feedback to listeners.

You can inform everyone that you're having a bad network and go ahead to type your points out.

Don't leave without a bye

Okay, the meeting isn't done but you need to go. Make sure you inform everyone that you have to leave for whatever reasons. Leaving the meeting before everyone else and with no word makes you appear rude and if your colleagues know you as one that's not rude, it may leave them worried that you left without a bye.

In conclusion, working remotely takes discipline and dedication on the part of the employee. But these tips are basic enough to increase productivity for any virtual meeting.