The current climate has brought with it a whole new group of first-time home workers and many of us are turning to video conferencing as a way to keep up with those we can no longer see face to face.

From Zoom to Microsoft Teams and FaceTime, each platform has its own unique offering, but all have one thing in common: it gives your colleagues a direct stream into your home and your privacy.

Dressing your conference call background to save any embarrassment or technical difficulties is therefore essential. Here's how to do it:

• Know your audience – consider who you’re speaking to and the level of formality that will be expected in your call. If it’s a quick team catch-up akin to a chat by the water cooler you will have less to worry about. If, however, you’re discussing matters with an important client, you may wish to consider what is within frame (as well as what you’re wearing) more seriously.
  
  
• Personal items - minimalise the personal photos in the background or anything that could be potentially embarrassing. Your office may now be in your home but in the working day you should try to keep it clear of clutter and make it look as professional as you can.
  
  
• Think about lighting - is it too bright or too dark? Natural light is best where possible, try to have the main source of light on you not behind you.  
  
  
• Add some greenery - plants can enhance the aesthetics of a frame, they’re also thought to boost mood and productivity.
  
  
• Remove distractions from your eyeline to make sure you won’t be disturbed. If there are others in the house ensure the door is closed and they’re aware that you are on a call.
  
  
• Test it out - try out your camera angle before the call, work the angles to avoid shadows and ensure you are centred. This may change as the sun moves throughout the day, so your perfect spot for an 11am call may not be the same mid afternoon. And whenever possible try a test call to check your video, microphone and speakers all work.
  
  
• Background noise – typing, for example, can be very noisy for the others on the call, consider being on mute when you aren’t speaking.
  
  

Further information

Read more: Professor Sir Cary Cooper's five-point plan for working from home