Body Language Tips For Virtual Meetings

Being self-aware of your body language is crucial in your communication efforts, even if you’re operating remotely. Nonverbal clues are just as significant in communication as your words and can help convey your message.

You’ll build better workplace relationships and find better success in business if you can express yourself nonverbally. Make sure you’re using your body to advantage in your virtual communication efforts by adhering to these tried-and-true strategies.

Eye contact

One of the easiest ways to appear engaged as an active listener in your efforts is to make eye contact with your peers. The eyes are a window into a person, and good eye contact allows you to form a lasting impression.

“On the other hand, failing to make eye contact can signal disinterest, dishonesty, or lack of confidence.” –Lolly Daskal

In a digital setting, you’ll need to balance the shifting perspective when other people talk and take center stage. Forbes’ Bianca Miller Cole writes to balance looking right at the speaking with looking directly into your camera so others can make eye contact with you. This may take some practice, but it’s philosophically the same idea as looking between different people in the room in a physical setting.

Facial expressions

Don’t put all the burden of effort on your eyes, though. You must utilize your facial expressions properly to sell your body language as well.

Leadership expert Lolly Daskal warns that inconsistent facial expressions can undermine what you’re saying, create distrust, or generate confusion. If you’re talking about a great sales plan, for example, and you’re frowning or shaking your head, it’ll make that plan sound not so great. Make sure to be aware of your expressions and make sure they match the tone of what you’re saying.

Also, make sure to smile when appropriate! It’ll add some friendliness and warmth against the cold backdrop of technology.

Posture

Make sure your physical form is making the same effort as your face is. Even if someone can’t see your entire form on camera, there’s plenty on screen for someone to see your posture. Good posture is a cornerstone of good body language.

Even while seated, your posture makes a world of difference. LinkedIn says you can present an air of professionalism and interest by keeping your shoulders back, your back straight, and your arms slightly out. Leaning forward also shows interest in the speaker while leaning back does the opposite. Avoid slumped shoulders and crossing your arms. While in some settings this might make you feel approachable and casual, in meetings it will make you appear distant and disinterested.

“Tilting your head is a natural response during conversations. It often indicates that a person is listening intently and thinking about your message.” –Indeed

Hand gestures

In a virtual setting, your hands might be out of view for most of the meeting. But don’t be afraid to bring them on screen in the right manner to enunciate your message!

Indeed says good hand usage can make or break your message, especially during interviews. When you aren’t speaking, it’s a good idea to keep your hands on your lap or at your side. But when speaking, don’t be shy about bringing them up to express excitement or gesture meaningfully. Just make sure not to cover your face on camera.

“Having your hands open is a sign of transparency and honesty, while it is essential to remember that pointing or crossing your arms can look aggressive to some.” –i3-Technologies

Framing

One major challenge you’ll face remotely is in framing your face within the camera. It’s hard to express body language if your body isn’t framed visibly on the screen. Finding the right distance to show enough of you without being too much of a close-up or having you three rooms away is the challenge.

Communication aficionado Jelena Fisic says the sweet spot is to have your entire head, shoulders, and the top of your torso on screen. Having just your head in view limits your body language arsenal. You want enough space to be able to bring your hands into play.

Avoid distractions

In a physical setting, meetings are usually conducted in a separate room to minimize distractions, but you won’t have that luxury remotely. Remote work is nice because it allows you to easily multitask, but visibly multitasking in a meeting is bad form.

Fellow’s Hannah Ross says that while you might think you’re being discrete, it isn’t hard for a viewer to track your eyes and see that you’re focused elsewhere. This will not only make you appear disinterested but it is disrespectful to whoever is speaking.

In order to also not be a distraction for others, Ross recommends picking an uncluttered background.

Wrap up

By being aware of the vibe you’re giving off with your body during virtual meetings, you can practice intentionality to make your message more effective. Following the aforementioned tips will make you appear more engaged, more persuasive, and more likely to form good business relationships in your next virtual meeting or interview.

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Industries Still Hiring Remote Workers In 2023

Since the pandemic started in 2020, we’ve seen a rapid rise in the availability of remote jobs. But by early 2023, many companies would prefer to have their staff back in the office. Despite this, a FlexJobs survey found that 65% of respondents wish to remain full-time workers.

Remote work is still a priority for many job seekers thanks to the plethora of conveniences it can offer. The good news is that many thriving industries are still offering remote positions. In fact, CNBC’s Greg Iacurci believes that remote work can thrive even in a recession thanks to its ability to trim labor costs.

FlexJobs found seven industries still offering 100% remote positions. We review their findings and add some of our own insights to assist with your search.

Top industries to explore

  1. Nonprofit & Philanthropy
  2. Analyst
  3. Legal
  4. Medical & Health
  5. Communications
  6. Accounting & Finance
  7. Project Management

Some of the top remote job titles FlexJobs found include Accountant, Executive Assistant, Customer Service Representative, Senior Financial Analyst, Recruiter, Project Manager, Technical Writer, Product Marketing Manager, Customer Success Manager, and Graphic Designer.

Industry analysis

FlexJobs’ senior content manager Jessica Howington notes that many of these categories fall into the “knowledge economy” line, meaning they rely on information and ideas. Because of the ease of sharing information online, it makes sense that these types of industries would continue to do well remotely. Tools like Zoom make it easy to hold digital “face-to-face” meetings, and those in these types of roles can easily service a large area of clients remotely.

This means that tech-savvy industries will continue to excel in offering remote work.

“Many businesses have recognized the advantages of allowing their workers to work remotely, including greater productivity, cheaper overhead costs, and the potential to tap into a worldwide talent pool.” -Simera Talent

In addition to the above industries, Jessica also expects Computer &IT, Marketing, HR & Recruiting, and Customer service to do well for similar reasons.

Recession proofing

While these industries may offer the most remote options compared to their peers, how safe are these industries overall when it comes to the looming recession?

FlexJobs’ research found steady growth in many of these industries through 2022, and that should hold through 2023. Accounting & Finances saw a 31% growth, Nonprofit & Philanthropy 55%, Communications 39%, and Legal 33%, while Medical & Health also saw good growth. HR & Recruiting, Marketing, Computer & IT, and Product Management also saw steady growth.

This is consistent with what we’ve found in our previous look into the most recession-proof industries for 2023. While not all jobs on that list are totally remote, there is a massive overlap with Healthcare and Financial Services. Both industries see steady historical growth during recessions—healthcare is always a necessity, and uncertain financial times mean more people are seeking expert help and financial advice. These industries also heavily rely on quickly-advancing technology in order to thrive. This ultimately creates a nice overlap between being safe in a recession and being likely to be remote.

Career Sherpa’s Hannah Morgan made a special note regarding IT & Technology. Because technology is always moving forward, those jobs will remain in high demand for those with the right skills, and the nature of the work leads to many remote opportunities.

“IT experts have some of the best job security of any modern profession, especially with more and more of the world shifting to an online space. People had to rely on robust networks to communicate with family, shop for groceries, and work remote jobs.” -Hannah Morgan

Wrap up

While many organizations want to get workers back into the office, many recognize the benefits remote work can offer in the form of increased productivity, less wasted downtime, and a happier workforce. Hybrid systems are becoming the norm, blending the above benefits while still providing a physical space for collaboration, meetings, upskilling, and teamwork when needed. But fully remote jobs are still out there, especially if you’re willing to look into the aforementioned industries.

NexGoal works with many industry-leading clients in these sectors, who offer a host of available remote positions. Feel free to check out our job board or reach out to our team to see if there is something right for you!

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Stay Productive With These Four Tips

It’s that time of year when many workers are in a “circle back in January” mindset. With so much going on during the winter holiday season, it often isn’t easy to stay productive. Productivity can often suffer when the sun sets at 4 PM.

Even outside of the holiday season, it can be difficult to stay productive all the time. Whether you’ve got an upcoming holiday, are just returning from vacation, or you’re just plain feeling unmotivated, sometimes you’ll need a little extra assistance regaining your productivity. Gain that needed productivity boost by embracing these stratagems and maintaining control of your mindset.

Prioritize

Does it often feel like you have too much on your plate and too little time to deal with it? This is a normal mindset, but it can be much more manageable if you learn how to prioritize what’s important and break down those work morsels into easy-to-digest bites.

Simplilearn suggests starting by planning your day out ahead of time and writing your top-three most important daily tasks. Not only will listing out your schedule make the day feel much more manageable but you’ll clarify what actually needs to be done on the day. Give yourself the time you need to focus on the big tasks, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Minimize distractions

Of course, it’s easier to stay on target and accomplish those important tasks if you minimize your distractions. Whether you’re working in a crowded office or from home, whether you’re planning a vacation or dealing with the tribulations of holiday travel, there are universal ways to stay focused.

You may need your devices to check in with your team and be appraised on important tasks, but it can be a good idea to turn off your notifications from time to time, according to Luxafor. You can plan for “deep work” times by turning your phone off temporarily and focusing on your task at hand.

The Muse advises staying away from accomplishing personal tasks during work time. No matter the circumstance, it’s easy to lose track of time or let distractions snowball out of control if you put work tasks on the back burner.

Set boundaries

Those outside forces can’t be contained forever, and sometimes you’ll get requests that will disrupt your productivity. But don’t forget that not every request is mandatory. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes!

Not every meeting is useful or pertains to you, but you may feel obligated to attend. Green Geeks’ Michael Phillips says to recognize what tasks aren’t a good use of your time and to give yourself permission to decline.

This applies to minor tasks as well. Don’t feel bad about declining a lunch invitation or a quick, non-work-related conversation if needed. These distractions can be nice, but if you really need to stay focused, learn to say “no.”

“Stay focused on the plan for the day, and politely remove yourself from distracting situations and people. It may be one of the most challenging ways for many of us to become more productive, but it’s in our interest to give it a try.” –Michael Phillips

Learn to improvise

No plan survives contact with the enemy, and even if you plan your day out and avoid any unnecessary distractions, there will still be curveballs that come your way. Sometimes, you simply can’t say no. Instead, you’ll have to improvise.

Forbes’ Lisa Bodell writes to take the improv approach with “yes, if.” If something doesn’t sound feasible as is, find a way to turn into into a yes if certain conditions are met. For example, if there is some way to take pressure off of one of your pressing tasks, you’ll be able to use that time to assist with something else.

“And lastly, when you find yourself one breath away from saying “No, because we don’t have budget for this,” replace it with “Yes, if…we can use funds allocated to Y or Z to experiment or test this idea.” –Lisa Bodell

Learn how to choose your battles and decide whether a hard no or a compromise is a better solution because the time spent with that debate could be better used on your necessary tasks!

Wrap up

We all struggle to be productive at times, but if you take time to focus on your most pressing tasks, minimize distractions, set boundaries, and learn how to be flexible, you can put yourself in the right mindset and accomplish your goals. It takes some practice, but if you approach your work with a plan, you’ll find great success!

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Five Ways To Improve Your Remote Communication Skills

Remote work and the cornucopia of different technologies used to facilitate it mean that how we communicate with our coworkers has changed drastically. Balancing different platforms like video conferences, email, text chat, and social media platforms like LinkedIn can be a challenge, and your communication skills need to evolve with new and emerging technology.

Even if you aren’t seeing your coworkers on a daily basis, and even if your networking and sales conversations take place over a screen, you can still be personable and charismatic. Evolve your remote communication skills by embracing these five philosophies.

Know how the tech works

There are a lot of tools used to facilitate online communication, and they all serve different purposes. Knowing how and when to use these tools is the foundation for remote dialogue.

The specific platform you’ll use for different forms of communication will vary between companies. For video conferencing, you might use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, or Meetings, and each program has different intricacies. Once you know what your team uses, do your best to master it. It’s hard to be an effective communicator if you aren’t using the tech properly.

Once you’ve mastered the tech, learn the best uses for each form. Different tools have different purposes, and you’ll want to use the right tool for the job, writes Jacky Xu. Have a simple question you need answered quickly? You’ll have to decide whether to use a text, an email, or a messaging program like Slack.

“For example, an instant messaging platform (like Slack) is best for short messages that need a fairly immediate response. Email is usually better for longer messages or something with multiple attachments, and for when you can wait on an answer.” –Greg Kratz

Be clear

In an in-person conversation, if you felt you weren’t clear with your intent, it’s easy to follow up with a quick explanation or pop back into someone’s office to clarify. You can look into your coworker’s eyes and see potential confusion. That isn’t so in remote communication, and you may not realize your request was ambiguous.

Quality writing is one of the top traits employers seek in remote employees, according to Goncalo Silva of Doist. The ability to eliminate redundancies and fluff and get to the heart of a matter is the key to making your writing clear. The easier it is for the recipient of your message to understand what you need, the more effectively they can assist.

Hannah Morgan reiterates to keep your messages brief, especially when communicating with someone new. People tend to skim long bodies of text (something we blog writers must constantly be aware of!), so the more you meander, the less likely you’ll get a response.

“Get straight to the point, and don’t dance around the reason for your contact. It’s best to be direct.” -Hannah Morgan

Be prompt

It’s difficult to ignore someone talking to you face-to-face, and if you’re in an office, it’s easy for a person to pop in and remind you when they need something. With remote communication, it’s much easier to forget to respond. How many times have you ever mentally responded to a text without actually texting back? Or have you meant to respond to an email and suddenly hours have passed?

It’s not only good etiquette to respond in a timely matter but it’s the expectation to keep the operation running smoothly, says Kelsey Arrington. By promptly following up with your team, you’ll build a greater culture of responsibility and reliability. Open communication is what allows remote communication to flourish.

Be available

On the subject of open communication, making yourself available is another important step. Remote work offers more autonomy than working in an office, which is a massive boon, but you can’t cut yourself off entirely. Jacky Xu suggests regularly scheduling check-ins with your team as a way to keep everyone on the same page. This provides an opportunity to share ideas without directly intruding on anyone’s time.

Kelsey Arrington adds to always participate in meetings and to turn your video on during conference calls. This will remind your coworkers you’re still there and actively engaged in work. Your ideas won’t fall on deaf ears and you’ll be viewed as part of the team. Being on video might mean your pajamas will face scrutiny, but you’ll provide the often lost body language communication thrives on.

Mind your body language

Even with video calls, body language is crucial and can shape the nature of your conversations. Watch your body posture, make eye contact with others (not your webcam), avoid looking at your phone, and don’t be afraid to dress up for a meeting as if it were in person. Treating a remote meeting like an in-person one will keep you engaged, and your professionalism will be appreciated.

“Posture not only shapes the way we feel, it also shapes the way we think about ourselves–from our self-descriptions to the certain and comfort with which we hold them. And those self-concepts can either facilitate or hinder our ability to connect with others, to perform our jobs, and, more simply, to be present.” –Carol Kinsey Goman

Wrap up

Remote work models are the norm, and even a significant percentage of networking occurs online. Knowing how to adapt your communication skills to the current landscape is a must for career success. Know how to use every tool at your disposal, and know when to use them. Be clear, prompt, and available, and you’ll gain a reputation as a reliable team member. Go the extra mile and be a professional in video chats, and you’ll feel a stronger sense of connection with your team.

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Making Remote Workplace Friends

The rise in remote work brought a lot of convenience for workers, but one of the few downsides is the lack of social connections. While an open office could be a distraction, the ability to talk with coworkers and partake in “water cooler” chat was a perk of going to work.

Those relationships are much harder to form in remote positions, especially if you never meet your coworkers in person. Having a friend at work is good for both your personal morale and for the company itself. Business News Daily cited a 2021 Workplace Friendship & Happiness survey that found the following:

“57% of people say having a best friend in the workplace makes work more enjoyable, 22% feel more productive with friends, and 21% say friendship makes them more creative.”

Just because you’re not working in the same office doesn’t mean you can’t find a work BFF, however. Online communities are common on message boards, in video games, and in fantasy sports. You can form meaningful work friendships, too. It may take a little extra effort, but if you follow these tips, you can make workplace friends with ease!

Why are virtual relationships more difficult?

Harvard Business Review found that many workers view the virtual connection as a barrier to forming real friendships. When you aren’t spending time directly interacting with someone, you may miss out on visual clues that are often vital in interpersonal relationships. The researchers at HBR state that coworkers need to build cadence with one another, essentially a good back-and-forth based on being able to predict behavior. You can build that cadence virtually, it just takes a little more time and effort than it would in person.

See what the company can do

Hopefully, your organization has adapted to the remote atmosphere and can provide a welcoming remote onboarding. A good onboarding not only gives you valuable insight into the company’s culture but can fill you in on any virtual events. Your company or department may do virtual get-togethers, or maybe even after-work virtual happy hours.

Employers Advantage believes a savvy workplace can take even more steps to provide an atmosphere conducive to friendship. Employers can arrange all sorts of remote gatherings without the bosses being present to provide a safe space for employees to bond and discuss without an authority figure nearby. If your workplace uses Microsoft Teams or Slack, employers can create channels for similar interests, like sports talk or running.

Find a buddy

If you’re in luck, your company may provide you with a work buddy. If not, don’t be afraid to ask for one. If you’re new to the company, having an experienced coworker that isn’t your direct supervisor can be a great way to learn the ins and outs of the organization, and they could become your first friend.

Career coach Octavia Goredema suggests looking through your employee handbook or company website to find resource groups, mentorship programs, or volunteer opportunities. She also thinks one of the best options is to ask for other recent hires as a buddy.

“Someone who is just a few months ahead of you has a perspective that will be so helpful,” –Octavia Goredema

Take initiative

Maybe you don’t work for a large company with a lot of resources dedicated to these types of group activities. That’s okay! You can still make friends. You’ll just need to take initiative.

Ask your supervisor if there are people they think would be good connections for you. Go out of your way to strike up conversations. When you’re finishing a meeting or discussion, ask personal questions or try to learn about shared interests. It may be awkward at first, especially without physical interaction, but these same principles apply to in-person conversations as well. Someone needs to be the first one to dig a bit deeper, it may as well be you.

If you need initial ice breakers, Employers Advantage suggests asking a coworker simple questions rather than a supervisor. For example, asking about dress code expectations. These innocent questions allow you to build a dialogue, and the person being asked feels valued. This can lead to other informal chatting down the road.

The Muse suggests if your team doesn’t have planned virtual activities or communication channels to be the one to plan them. These virtual events can be one-on-one or with a larger group and don’t need a specific purpose other than general chitchat and a place to set work aside for a moment. These conversations will not only allow you to get to know your coworkers but can increase team morale.

Finally, Psychology Today believes being open to sharing more of yourself and offering praise will go a long way. If you’re willing to share, others will feel more comfortable sharing, and sharing and offering praise will make them feel more human. The smallest bits of effort can make a fellow employee feel more appreciated.

Wrap up

Just because you don’t work in the same building doesn’t mean you can’t find a work bestie to chat with, support, and help each other get through the day. Many companies offer resources to help you form relationships, and you may even find a dedicated work buddy. But you always have the power to take initiative and create a space for friendships to blossom. Even the smallest bits of effort will be noticed.

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