Issue #121: Zoombarrassment

Folks, we’re stuck with Zoom. When 2020 struck, it was there to swoop in and grab market share (what happened, Skype?) and now it’s here to stay. As a fully remote company who works with and sees the inner workings of hundreds of other companies, our team at Bright + Early has seen it all. From logging on with last night’s virtual trivia name still set (good morning, Fwuffy!) to on-cam vaping (weird, but is it hurting anyone?) it’s hard to know what really matters on camera anymore, especially if your workplace is generally relaxed. Curious, we asked our network of experts about their Zoom feelings (and failures).

“A quick bite in a casual meeting is fine, but would you bring a heaping plate of spaghetti to a meeting? Hopefully, not.” - Erin Campbell, Chief Revenue and People Officer, Altis Recruitment

“My sister (who would be MORTIFIED if I told this story) was a senior policy advisor with the provincial government. For her first video meeting she set herself up in her bedroom at home, forgetting that her bras and undies were drying behind her!” - Anonymous

“My friend recently had to ask a team member if they could be just a little less casual than wearing their bathrobe on zoom every day. Apparently it was not a bathrobe, but a velour cardigan that simply looks like one.” - Anonymous

“I think it's important to recognize that video off may be the best option for some folks. Examples could include some neurodivergence, people who may be dealing with chronic health issues, folks who may need to wear a head covering while seen by non-family members, or scenarios where someone's gender identity may make video off feel safer. By all means, encourage but do not coerce video on. There are lots of ways to connect with people respectfully and psychologically safely.” - Malumir Logan, Operations and Strategy Manager/Adjunct Professor

 “I am all for people using the touch up filters. I think it’s a lovely option for people! We never used to see our own faces as much as we do now, and I think the touch up features can help people feel more confident. But one tip: if you use the lipstick feature, it glitches if you take a sip of water or put your pen or hand near your mouth” - Steph Little, Senior HR Consultant and Policy and Compliance Lead, Bright + Early

“Try to make sure you don't bring your computer to the bathroom in a meeting. I’ve seen this too many times.” - Marlies Farrill, Senior Recruiter, Pinterest

Many more people had thoughts, so read the full piece (and our tips on setting Zoom expectations) below.

PS: Want to be in a future issue of Early? Join our expert network here.

Bright Reads

• Working at a nonprofit and trying to figure out HR? Join us on April 25 in partnership with our friends at Laridae for this free webinar on all things People and Nonprofit!

• Why employers are stingy with job interview feedback (BBC)

• If you’re working in person, the upcoming solar eclipse may be a work safety issue. Here’s how to prepare.

• If you’re in Ontario, there are some upcoming ESA changes, including how vacation must be paid out.

• Soap company Dr. Bronner’s has some cool benefits, including a childcare stipend of up to $7,500 a year, and ketamine therapy coverage for mental health treatment. (HR Brew)

• Shane Smith scrambles to save what’s left of Vice, the media empire he built – and blew up. (The Wrap)

• We’re working less on Fridays than we used to, and that’s OK. (WSJ)

Coming Up

• Transgender Day of Visibility is on March 31

• Easter is March 31

• April is Autism Awareness month

• Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan is on April 9

• Earth Day is April 22

• Passover is April 22-30

• Administrative Professionals Day is on April 24

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