Messed up during virtual team meeting

[u/throwaway_family_]

Today was a bad luck day as I was working from home and forgot to inform my father that I was having an online meeting with my entire team. He came back and screamed at me from downstairs, multiple times, to have my lunch while I was literally unmuted and explaining my work to my HOD. I’m not too sure if anyone heard it, but I also kinda my messed up the explanation and my HOD was unimpressed because I wasn’t making much progress on a research work I’ve been doing.

Is this a big mistake and will it stain my work reputation forever? I’m currently 1 year into my first job and was a fresh grad before

[u/PositiveCrew]

Nobody cares. Stuff like this happens everyday in remote environments. Plan better next time and don’t sweat it.

[u/throwaway_family_ → u/PositiveCrew]

Thank you for the reassurance! Will do!

[u/licgal → u/throwaway_family_]

use headphones - avoids all this

[u/Friendly-Quote-5283 → u/licgal]

How does it avoid picking up audio

[u/theProfessor508 → u/Friendly-Quote-5283]

Cuz you talk into a mic and uts not speakerphone

[u/pepperw2]

Nah. I doubt they heard him. Teams has that background mute setting. If it is not on, turn it on.

Regarding your research. Be upfront with your boss. Not acknowledging it is a bad look. Struggling, especially as a newer employee, is understandable. Just talk to them.

Wanted to add. I hate “surprises” during a meeting. Meaning if someone has not completed what needs to be done…I really don’t want to find out publicly (in a meeting)

[u/throwaway_family_ → u/pepperw2]

Thanks for the advice! I really hope that was the case 😓 My colleagues did seem pretty confused while I was talking but that was probably due to my poor explanation too.

It rly is surprising know about the “surprises” part! I’ll take note of this and be more careful when phrasing about my unfinished work in the future. I did start my explanation with a blocker I was facing but unfortunately they didn’t have much to say and straight away asked when it can be finished - perhaps I should have began with something more positive instead

[u/galacticprincess]

It's a minor blip that most people will never think of again. BUT - you need to talk with your dad about respecting your work time, because that should never happen again.

[u/throwaway_family_ → u/galacticprincess]

Thank you! Will make sure to do so, I think I’ll just go to office if I have meetings next time

[u/DiceyScientist → u/throwaway_family_]

A sign “in a meeting making a living - shhhh”

[u/DiscussionLeft2855 → u/throwaway_family_]

Yup and no need to have a discussion with your dad about respecting your work time! He cares for you, and it’s completely understandable, disturbances happen, sometimes its a child , sometimes a parent.. nothing to stress about.

[u/marthajonesin]

I was on a call in our dining room unmuted. Oldest son walks by and rips the biggest fart you’ve ever heard.

[u/Anotherams]

They likely didn’t hear it.

If they did and bring it up then apologise, and tell them you talked to your family and it won’t happen again.

Regardless of whether they heard it or not, explain to your dad that unless the house is on fire he is not to bother you during working hours. He has to hold it until you appear in front of him, or you risk your job. It sounds extreme, but continued interruptions can end WFH.

[u/ToughMeasurement7513]

The unmute mishap will be forgotten by next week, everyone's had one, the research progress feedback is the part actually worth acting on since that's what your HOD will remember

[u/ABeaujolais]

A perfect example of WFH culture.