6 Mistakes Make Your Home Office Look Unprofessional, According to Career Coaches

"Working from home certainly blurs the lines between your personal and professional life. Because of this, it's easy to be oblivious to certain things in your home office that probably shouldn't be there. That's where having a second set of eyes comes in handy, and who better to ask than a career coach? Career coaches often meet with clients virtually, which means they've seen it all when it comes to Zoom backgrounds. They are also extremely qualified to speak on how to present yourself professionally. We interviewed three of them to learn which items exude unprofessionalism in a home office setting, and they delivered."

"Showing up with your full attention to a virtual meeting always puts your best foot forward. Meeting with someone who has too many distractions out, especially tech distractions, is one of career counselor Nathan Soto's biggest pet peeves. "One of the biggest things that hinders productivity in a home office is a cluttered workspace," he says. "I need a wide, clear desk to concentrate and work, so the first thing I do to prepare my workspace is clear my desk. Another focus killer is multiple screens, including extra monitors, and cell phones on your desk.""

Working from home blurs the boundary between personal and professional life, making some home-office items inappropriate for virtual meetings. Career coaches frequently meet clients virtually and observe many Zoom backgrounds, so they identify elements that undermine professionalism. Distracting art such as politically charged posters, bright signs, and flashy wall art diverts attention from meeting agendas. Tech clutter, including a cluttered desk, multiple monitors, and visible cell phones, hinders productivity and focus. Visible televisions also convey a lack of attention and can distract participants. Removing or minimizing these items supports clearer communication and a more professional virtual presence.

Read at The Spruce