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What do you do during video calls?
WSJ recently published an article that said people are increasingly doing household chores like folding their laundry, washing dishes or cooking during video calls and meetings.
Do you do this? Would you ever do this? Do you do something else during video calls? Let me know your thoughts!
*Note: Fairygodboss may use your response in an article so feel free to comment anonymously.
Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/admit-it-you-do-laundry-during-work-video-calls-11597246242
samantha downing
Healthcare Marketing Leader
59
08/12/20 at 9:06PM UTC
I agree with the main response - the topic, participants and my role on the call dictate my multi-tasking activities. For me, if I'm multi-tasking, I will stop video share. The only way I'd be multi tasking is if I'm not an active participant/presenter. I do NOT multi-task on calls with personal things. I'm paid to be present at work, even in an WFH environment. Being at home affords me that 5 minutes to clean a counter top or start a load of laundry in between meetings. If I'm an active participant or leading, I am present, and video is ON. If I'm an attendee and listening, I will stop video share and mute my line. I may go sit out side when I'm only in attendee mode.
Anna C AdamsCertified Training Specialist
499
08/12/20 at 7:52PM UTC
It depends largely on who I'm on conference with and the topic of the call. For a more formal setting I would keep my full attention on the video, maintain focus, and stay present. Similar to how I would behave during an in-person meeting, I would keep my attention 'in the room,' but avoiding distractions.
In more casual calls, where it might be a time for catching up casually with team members, or similar, the most I would do is get up for to refill my drink.
I think it's important to maintain similar levels of professionalism regardless of the platform.
Kathleen Terry-SharpLeadership, Learning, & Advancement ($$ raising)
18
08/12/20 at 7:26PM UTC
I generally try to focus on the meeting while it is happening. However, when I'm more of a listener than an active participant, I do work on other tasks on my computer. I have, on occasion, popped something into the oven so that it would be ready in time for dinner), grabbed the mail, or fed the dog (to keep him quiet) during a call...but not during a Zoom or WebEx meeting. I telecommuted for 13 years from Mississippi to Washington, DC. , then returned to a "regular office" for the past 7 years. I've been telecommuting again during Covid-19. I will say that there is a significant difference when you are the ONLY one telecommuting vs. EVERYONE is telecommuting. I have also been surprised at how little telecommuting has changed over the past 7 years. Tech is slightly better, but it was really easy to slip back into the groove.
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
08/12/20 at 7:15PM UTC
If I'm not an active participant in the call, I mute myself so that keyboard clicking isn't heard, and read/respond to my work emails. My CEO holds outside calls and walks his neighborhood while on the phone.
I had to IM a co-worker who was on a call and doing some yard work but had forgotten to mute herself. We could hear her huffing and puffing as she weeded a garden. Oops.
Kathryn St PeterTalent Acquisition Leader
105
08/12/20 at 6:21PM UTC
I would never but I have worked remotely for a decade and for me it is a privilege that I want to maintain. While I appreciate the flexibility to do household items, I make sure the organization knows I dedicate the needed hours to them (especially during video calls).
Jessica Virtuoso, MBA, SHRM-CPLevel Up Your Leadership
116
08/12/20 at 6:21PM UTC
It depends on the nature of the call. If my role is to observe versus active participation, then yes, I admit to attending to other items, whether work or home. That being said, those other items are usually low-impact, low brain-power, such as making coffee or putting laundry in the washer or dryer. These are things that don't take my focus away and are really the equivalent of doodling on paper, albeit more productive. I wouldn't do it if I was required to maintain an active role on the call.
Wannetta Kinsey, MBAYou have everything you need!
30
08/12/20 at 5:55PM UTC
I do not do chores during virtual meetings as it would be difficult for me to listen effectively. I do understand that being at home more provides an opportunity to do things you wouldn't normally have time to do. It just wouldn't work for me; I'd rather wait until after the meeting.
Kim MooreRecruitment Manager
17
08/12/20 at 5:51PM UTC
During video calls and virtual meetings? Absolutely not. Now, will I put a load of laundry in the washer or a load of dishes in the dishwasher while I'm working on other tasks?Yes. Even still, I won't fold laundry during business hours, unless I am on a lunch break but let's be honest. I don't take a lunch "break" working from home, I eat at my desk 99% of the time. And I'd rather work than fold laundry. ;)
Gail Orfanos, CMP, HMCCMeetings & Events
154
08/12/20 at 5:50PM UTC
I might be old school, for me, a video conference call is the same as a conference call or in-person meeting and should have your full attention. We all tend to multi-task, but keep it quick and work-related if it is necessary.
Melissa NobileHandbell Choir Director
1.05k
08/12/20 at 5:29PM UTC
My meetings have been strictly phone meetings on my landline (that doesn’t have a mute button) because I live rurally where cell and video don’t work well. Also to note, my meetings have been for volunteer positions I hold. I’ve folded laundry and worked on a crochet project when I’m just supposed to listen. I’ve taken copious notes when required, but doing dishes, eating, and anything else noisy is out of the question.
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