For anyone who may have thought they could relax and let go, we are sorry to say there are indeed a number of unspoken rules dictated by common sense one should observe in such situations. From the dinner table to your home office, etiquette rules evolve and adapt to reflect our new lifestyles.

Nowadays, more and more of us work from home and it is not uncommon to spend entire days in front of a screen going from one video call to the next. Whether it is an e-meeting with the boss or a conference call with the rest of the team, working from home etiquette dictates a few essential rules. Reda shares all the key etiquette secrets to working from home: here are the golden rules to implement during your next video calls.

1. Never eat in front of the camera

The first (and most sacred) rule from the working from home etiquette rulebook is that you should never eat during your remote meetings, whether your video is turned on or off. It may seem obvious but it does bear repeating; being in a familiar home environment means we may let our guard down and just like we would never step in a conference room with a sandwich in hand, the same goes for our home office. You may keep a glass of water within reach but nothing more. Once your meeting is over, you will have every opportunity to take a moment to relax and enjoy a drink or snack just as you would have done during your typical coffee break in the office.

2. Mute your microphone when you’re listening

Here is another cardinal rule from the working from home rulebook, one that will allow you to go through video calls more serenely. For anything other than a one-on-one meeting, especially when more than 6 people are involved, the polite thing to do is to mute one’s microphone when listening to others. Why is that such an important rule? For the simple reason that background noises might be a distraction and prevent us from being totally focused, besides being altogether unpleasant. Even if you’re sitting and observing silently, it is likely you are surrounded with noise: cars driving down the street if the windows are open, children playing or people you share your home with moving about, talking or having meetings of their own… To block out those unwanted noises, muting your microphone is your best option and the key to successful video calls when several attendees are on the line.

3. Always be groomed and… presentable

This might be one of the most fundamental rules when it comes to working from home: always be presentable and looking sharp when appearing on screen. While it may come naturally to let our colleagues see a more casual and unkempt version of ourselves, the best option when working remotely is to dress up and look polished. To do so, we may follow a few key rules: trimming our beard or wearing a touch of make-up; brushing our hair; and never forgetting to dress properly. Pyjamas and loungewear are definitely not an option. This will make you look good to others and feel good too, with the right attitude and confidence to take on the work day.

4. Give the background some thought

While looking after your appearance is key, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of your location, and the background you will appear against. Make sure whatever your colleagues can see behind and around you is as neutral as possible; white walls are always a great option. Avoid your children’s bedrooms or a busy kitchen where others might be busy cooking. Quiet and understated corners of the house are always your best option.

5. Never not dressed up!

Last but certainly not least: always dress sharp. Even if you’re home, and even if you’re alone, robes are never a good idea. Getting dressed properly will put you in the right mindset and set the right tone during video calls, sending a strong message about how punctual, thorough and “on the ball” you are. Keep your looks varied and opt for garments and fabrics that are both elegant and comfortable. Men might wear a suit once a week; going mismatched is definitely an option.

Our suggestion? Opt for the 74395/5 fabric from Reda 1865’s Contemporary Classic range, which is bound to stand out even on screen thanks to its strong tailoring credentials. Under the jacket you could wear a garment cut from Reda Active’s 173008/9 fabric, which will make for comfortable, breathable shirts that follow the body’s movements. The 8920/3 fabric from Reda 1865’s Atto range is perfect for pants: comfortable and smart, it moves with your body and looks flawless throughout the day thanks to its crease-free properties.