When it comes to professionalism, appearances matter. You may be the best in your field, but if you don’t look the part, you may be overlooked or even dismissed. In an office setting, this typically means that you need to adhere to a business casual dress code — but what exactly does it mean in a virtual environment? Portraying professionalism might be more challenging when you’re working from home, but there are still ways you can convey consistency. Investing in custom Zoom office backgrounds is one of the best ways to present a professional appearance on video calls even when you’re working out of your bedroom or home office.
Importance of Virtual Presence
When you’re working in an office, there are simply more resources at your disposal to command an audience’s attention in a meeting. You might feel stifled by the constraints of a video call, but there are still ways that you can cultivate a virtual presence. Choosing free Zoom backgrounds office, for example, can replicate the professional appearance of an office environment. This adds a professional touch to any video call, and it can even help you feel more confident when you’re meeting with clients or colleagues.
Crafting your virtual presence is all about confidence. Many people who work from home brag about their ability to wear pajamas to work, but this casual attire can undermine your own sense of professionalism. Even if nobody is going to see your entire outfit, you might benefit from wearing professional clothes just as you would if you were in the office. This is a great idea if you do happen to spend time on video calls. Nothing says “professional” like a button up shirt and a well-fitted blazer. You might be surprised by the impression that can be made with just your shoulders.
Benefits of Custom Backgrounds
If you’re serious about becoming a work from home pro, it’s time to level up your game. There are plenty of free backgrounds for Zoom calls that offer a generic image. Professionals who are dedicated to their work and their company should look for a better solution — a custom Zoom background template, for example. With the ability to completely customize your background, you can create the exact aesthetic you envision, including your company’s logo, a view of your corporate office, or an image of a boardroom with a desk and chairs. Your background can be whatever you want it to be.
Versatility isn’t the only benefit of customizable Zoom backgrounds. You can also take advantage of the branding opportunity it offers. With employees working remotely, your company can’t rely on the office as its home base, and this can create a crisis of branding for your colleagues as well as clients. Communications may seem disjointed and inconsistent when they are spread across multiple locations. How can you restore unity to your team? A custom Zoom background featuring your company’s logo is a great place to start.
Find the right background for all of your Zoom and Teams video calls. A custom background is great for professionalism even if you return to the office.
