I think this crosses a professional boundary. Now, the plan is to hold the work retreat in common meeting spaces at the condo residence of a subordinate. This plan was, no surprise, foiled by ongoing construction. Our office is undergoing major renovations, but rather than find an alternative venue, my boss still set the retreat location in the office. The head of our group recently announced we would gather for a one-day retreat to strategize for the next fiscal year.

I am a member of a unit of about 10 people at a nonprofit. I don’t get a judgmental vibe from your letter but it might be freeing to care just a little less about such things. Or, really, I just care so much less about what other people are doing that isn’t my business and doesn’t negatively affect me. I suppose, as I get older, I get more permissive. It’s important to have standards, but sometimes professionalism is more of a demand for control than it is a set of expectations about conduct. At the same time, I wonder why we spend so much time policing the behaviors of others? If your colleague made valuable contributions to the meeting and otherwise comported herself well, why does it matter if she was vaping? I can certainly see why it could be distracting. Some people don’t want to see others eating on a Zoom call, for example, while others don’t mind.Īs for vaping, that is, perhaps, not very professional. Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking. Make sure the camera is on and look at the camera.

There is something about the distance of the computer screen that makes people treat virtual meetings like extensions of their personal space, but most workplaces would prefer that people treat virtual meetings the same way they treat in-person meetings. Most of what I consider good etiquette for virtual meetings is common sense. I am left wondering, in the ever-evolving norms around work and life, if there is any etiquette or standard around such behavior? She also made plenty of productive contributions to the discussion. The vaper seemed to be working from home, so of course she was in her space. As the host, I felt awkward but ignored these less-than-professional moments. I recently moderated a Zoom meeting where one person was vaping while on camera at several points throughout the meeting. Include your name and location, or a request to remain anonymous. Send questions about the office, money, careers and work-life balance to.

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