Rules for success have been continually changing. The drama of so many people working from home has been an enormous shift. “When I get on a videoconference from home, am I at work or at home?”

The obvious answer is “You are working.” There are many humorous stories where people did not get the message. There are other stories where the suit is on top and not the bottom. It’s OK as long as you don’t walk expose your choice as you walk away from the camera!

The truth is you are at home. A suit is not needed. Business casual is appropriate (whatever that means in your company).

If you can isolate for a videoconference that is preferable. Pets can be contained. If there are young children – not so much. We all need to understand the conflicting needs of working at home when it comes to children.

Young children at home are particularly challenging. One mother said her young daughter reported: “My mom isn’t really working. All she does is talk on the phone.”

Young children at home are particularly challenging. One father said his young son reported: “My dad isn’t really working. All he does is talk on the phone.”

As difficult as this time is for so many people, I believe there will be a number of benefits going forward. An enormous number of people have learned to connect remotely on videoconference. Many business people will no longer fly for two days for a one-hour meeting when a videoconference will work.

I hope we adapt our college system to use technology to make education more cost-effective. I hope we reduce loneliness because people connect more via video. Nothing replaces the hug of a loved one. Seeing their eyes and smile goes a long way to connect via videoconference.