Back in the early days of video conference calls, I was so concerned with whether I could work the camera that I completely neglected the backdrop.
It was only during a call with various senior colleagues that I noticed the ironing board behind me groaning with wrinkled items.
It was actually only a day’s worth, but with my big family (nine children and two adults) it appeared as if I hadn’t touched the iron for a fortnight. Not exactly the look I was going for. No one mentioned it, but I was mortified.
Almost a decade later, I find myself plunged into the world of video conferences once again. Last Monday, like many others, I responded to the Government’s request that we all, where possible, work from home.
Helena Morrissey (pictured) said that in the early days of video conference calls, I was so concerned with whether I could work the camera that I completely neglected the backdrop
Now schools have closed, seven of my children (the other two are married), my husband Richard and I are all at home together for the foreseeable.
It didn’t get off to the best start. On Tuesday I was on a video call with Julia Gillard, the former Australian prime minister, when the doorbell rang, sending my dog Buddy into a fit of frenzied barking. Julia graciously said, ‘Oh, last week we were interrupted by a cat…’
This was followed shortly after by a board call where two of my children turned up in the background. (Remember that much-loved clip of Professor Robert Kelly, whose children interrupted his BBC interview in 2017?) I tried to discreetly usher them away — but I needn’t have worried. One of my colleagues later commented that it was actually quite nice to get a glimpse of someone’s home life.
She said that in general, when it comes to home-working, it’s best to have ground rules including not wearing PJs
I’m sure I can’t be the only one feeling that the line between our work and personal lives is somewhat blurred while we’re holed up at home. We have so much coronavirus anxiety to handle, as well. Is it necessary, or even possible, to maintain a polished professional persona with domestic detritus scattered about?
I’ve come to the conclusion that creating a decent working-from-home environment is helpful psychologically, but I’m finding it takes practise.
In general, when it comes to home-working, it’s best to have ground rules. Don’t wear PJs. Take time to do your hair and make-up. Get some fresh air and exercise. Create a routine, take breaks, enjoy the extra time with your family if they are also at home. And, though this may seem minor, consider lighting, angle and background when making video calls.
Of course it’s hardly the most pressing matter at the moment, but clothes undoubtedly affect how we feel about ourselves. We could tip over into feeling quite depressed if we don’t shower, put on our make-up and look after our wellbeing. Everything in the outside world may be changing but we can maintain control of some aspects of our lives.
I’ve refocused my Instagram account offering daily tips for career dressing to reflect the new working-from-home challenges. The posts are catalysts for conversations about the issues.
I’m not claiming to be an expert. Yes, I’ve been working from home since leaving my City job at the start of the year, but enforced isolation feels very different, with no physical meetings to break up the day, and a low hum of anxiety all around. And let’s not forget the added pressure of juggling children who are home from school, too.
Some are mystified that I’m still wearing smart skirts and heels, but I need delineation between home and work.
The city high-flier said that black is too draining for most of us on video, and white is too stark
Do I totter around all day? I invariably kick the heels off under my desk, but by then they’ve already served to put me in ‘work’ mode. As for clothes, ironically the brightly coloured ‘weather girl’ shift dresses that I felt were a bit cliched for normal workdays seem to work well for video calls. Black is too draining for most of us on video, and white is too stark.
It’s a learning curve for us all, but I hope the fact that we’re all in this together will banish the stigma attached to working from home for ever. People will realise you can be very productive at home, and all those endless meetings are unnecessary. It’s not our immediate focus, but this experience may be a game-changer.
Let’s not add to our stress by over-fussing. Here are just a few suggestions based on what I know works — and what doesn’t…
BEWARE THE VIDEO CALL BACKDROP
This week I’ve had several video conferences. One man I spoke to looked like he was sitting in his bedroom, which felt really weird. Another person, whom I know has a lovely big house, appeared to be in a cupboard — I didn’t want to ask why. One sat right in front of their stairs, making it seem as if they were about to up and leave at any moment.
I also noticed that white walls look sterile and stark, as if you’re in a prison cell.
You might imagine me to have the perfect office space for such matters, but that’s not so. My husband and I share a little glass box of an office. It allows us to tap away on our computers together, but it doesn’t work for video calls because the glass is far too reflective.
In terms of background, I thought the kitchen cupboards in our open-plan living area would be perfect, but there are now simply too many people around. Having learned from others that books form a brilliant backdrop, I’m now trialling the basement, where there are floor-to-ceiling bookcases. The priority is to find something that’s not distracting.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, AND ACTION!
Much like TV, lighting is key for remote meetings. Don’t sit in front of a window as this bleaches you out. At the other end of the spectrum, yesterday I was speaking to someone who looked like they were sitting in darkness.
My home has lots of downlighters, but these don’t work well for videos either — I noticed they formed off-putting, cone-like shapes along the top of the screen.
Surprisingly, lamps seem to work best — perhaps because they give a warm, homely air.
Another matter to consider is where you’re looking: it’s tempting to look at the face of the person talking, but you should focus on the computer lens to give the impression you’re looking directly at the viewer. I’ve stuck a little arrow next to mine to remind myself.
The angle of the camera is also worth a thought. Put your laptop on a cardboard box so the lens is nearer head height, to prevent you looking down at the screen, which is an unflattering and distorting angle.
HOW TO CARVE OUT PEACE AND QUIET
Enforced isolation can also be stressful for children — some of mine are displaying signs that they are struggling to adjust and are anxious about potentially not going back to school until September. I’ve told them not to worry about the future, and to take it a day at a time.
One school has completely gone into virtual mode, but most don’t have the ability to do this.
Over the years — and I’m not proud of this — I’ve often worked at weekends, so I’ve got into a groove with my children doing their homework alongside me.
On Sundays we would set aside a time when all of us worked together. No one felt they were missing out on some fun activity — it was a shared event.
We have a largish table that has become the ‘work table’. Everyone has to respect the rules: if you need to make a call, you go elsewhere.
At the moment all this feels overwhelming. It’s important to realise we don’t have all the answers now — we need to experiment.
FIVE OUTFITS FOR FIVE WORKING DAYS
Day 1
Smart polo necks look both polished and appropriate for remote meetings — a structured jacket is too ‘fake news’. I wore my jewel-coloured polo neck from Uniqlo with a striking necklace (top left).
As I had an important video call planned, I decided to make it feel like I was in an office by wearing my special Valentino skirt and Jimmy Choo heels. I did change into my jeans and trainers later, though.
Day 2
Having noticed that the simple coloured dress worn by a colleague looked really effective on screen, I opted for an ancient pink shift dress from Dolce & Gabbana with a cream Miu Miu cardigan.
I had thought dresses looked too formal, but I’ve been reminded that dressing for a video call is a bit like dressing for TV or a presentation. Avoid pattern and distracting frills.
Day 3
The Whistles dress I wore is just like an Emilia Wickstead but at £130 it’s missing a zero. I went all out with shoes from Prada because at times like these, why not?
As for make-up, I don’t usually wear foundation, but I put it on for video calls, as well as a little extra blusher and bronzer.
Day 4
My cream Roksanda dress may seem too fancy for some, but a cardigan (by the designer Rachel Riley, and borrowed from my daughter) tones it down. Cream works well on videos and makes me feel upbeat.
Day 5
Proof jeans can look smart. I pair my Topshop ones with a top from Dolce & Gabbana (above left). Again, this works well for video calls: the heels are offset by the comfort of the jeans.
Even when opting for a relaxed outfit, avoid a jumper that makes it look like you’ve just come in from the garden. You don’t want to look like you’ve given up.
- As told to Felicia Bromfield.