Professional Presence

Today's business culture and culture in general has become less formal. The days when bankers and business men wear 3 piece suits is long gone. However with this informality it has made navigating through the laws of dress codes more difficult for employees. This does not mean that a lax attitude towards formal dress should produce unkempt or unprofessionally dressed employees. New workers in the workforce may need some guidance on what that entails. For work at home employees the dress may not be formal however there are steps that a work from home employee can take to feel more professional while working. I work for an university as an admissions advisor. My students are online for the most part. However, my new role requires me to travel occasionally for training. Working from home it is so easy to fall into the trap of sweats and a dingy t-shirt. But imagine the panic that ensues when you are called to a google hangout meeting or a virtual meeting over the web. Sure you can turn your camera off but that is a missed opportunity to make an impression on peers and managers. So the alternative is to make it a priority to shower, do your hair and makeup and even if the outfit is casual to get dressed. Behavioral attributes for a professional include being punctual, using time wisely, being a team player, appreciating cultural diversity and developing skills to move on to the next level. I value my ability to multi-task and place the needs of the team over my own needs. These skills make me valuable to my organization.