It comes with two integrated microphones and has built-in HD autofocus so you’ll look as good as possible virtually. If your laptop doesn’t have a built-in computer or you’re not satisfied with the one you’ve got, this external webcam provides a 78° field of view and projects you in a balanced frame while giving you plenty of room to share. Give the tech you’ve got the best chance at working properly with the best equipment, because there’s nothing worse than trying to accomplish a meeting agenda without being able to hear, see and/or understand everyone. As we all know - tech is how we got through this past year and were able to get anything done.

Whether it’s upgrading your camera, getting a better microphone or splurging on a new pair of headphones so you can actually hear the virtual HR presentation, tech is crucial to the Zoom setup. And if you’re someone who frequently presents or leads high-profile meetings, then this is especially important. Just as you prepare yourself to look presentable in the office, you should prep your background to match the impression you want to give off to colleagues, bosses, virtual panel attendees, etc.

While the work you’re doing might seem more important, we believe your Zoom setup and background is critical to showing up professionally and purposefully for meetings. (Note: we’re going to reference Zoom a lot in this piece for simplicity’s sake, but of course this advice and guidance is applicable to all video chat apps.) That might seem shallow, but human beings are visual creatures, and our brains immediately size up other people based on visual cues. In the remote workplace, a drab, boring Zoom background is the equivalent of a weak handshake or bad breath. That means Zoom meetings are here to stay, and with that in mind, we’re here to guide you through an official curation of the perfect Zoom setup, because the blank white wall isn’t going to cut it anymore. And even when life goes back to normal (whatever that means), trends are pointing towards a hybrid, flexible work model where some days are spent in the office and some at home. While the news about case counts and vaccinations continues to improve, remote work isn’t going anywhere for the time being. Patrick’s Day, we’ve officially been working from home and under lockdown for a full year. This week we celebrated our first COVID-versary, a rather bleak day.

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