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In the IT world, where a significant part of work is done online, observing digital etiquette is not just a formality. It is a mandatory component of professional behavior. Whether you are a developer, team leader, or team member on a project, online etiquette rules are your daily communication tool. Failure to comply with etiquette can destroy customer trust, disrupt timelines, or cause tension within the team.

Basic rules of online etiquette.

Be punctual. Being late for an online meeting is a sign of disrespect for others’ time and schedule. This is annoying, especially in international teams with different time zones. It’s better to come to a call 2 minutes early than to make others wait for you.

Use “mute”. When you’re not speaking, turn off your microphone to avoid background noise that disturbs other participants. This is especially important in open-space, when working from home or coworking.

Turn on your camera. Especially during calls with a client. This shows that you are involved in the conversation. Eye contact creates trust, demonstrates involvement and openness to dialogue.

Write professionally. In chats and emails, you should not use slang, emojis or abbreviations.

Keep communication clear, structured and polite. Even internal correspondence should be kept in a business style. You should not send a message without a greeting or explanation, even if you are writing to a person you know well. Any message should be addressed to the person from whom you expect an answer. Tag the person you need so that they see that this question is specifically for them. Be sure to check the spelling of any message or letter before publishing it.

Don’t interrupt. Online communication can be delayed. Wait until the speaker has finished speaking. It is better to indicate your desire to answer, add to, or ask a question using a reaction or a chat message.

Keep your distance. Even remotely. There is also a certain distance in digital communication, although this is often forgotten. We have several communication channels: email, social media messengers, and phone calls. Each of them has its own degree of proximity:

• Email is the most formal and remote form of communication. A response within 1–2 days is considered acceptable. If the letter is sent in the evening, it is logical to expect a response the next business day.
• Messengers are a closer channel, where it is desirable to provide a response within one business day.
• Phone calls are a “here and now” method of communication, so they should be used thoughtfully and without necessity.

It is also important to remember: you should not contact colleagues outside of working hours unless it has been agreed in advance.

Conducting scrums and online meetings with the client.

Preparation is the key to successful communication. Before a meeting or scrum, familiarize yourself with the main topic of the call in detail, check the necessary documents, and make a list of important questions. This will allow you to speak clearly to the point and not waste time on improvisation or invention. If necessary, prepare a demo, presentation, or spreadsheet.

Technical check. Make sure that the microphone, camera, and access to the appropriate platform (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) and the Internet are working properly. Make a test call-check if necessary.

Professional environment. Lighting should be in front, not behind. If you do not have your own workplace, it is better to use a neutral virtual background. The appearance should be neat and restrained, without provocative prints and inscriptions.

Clarity and conciseness. It is important for clients to receive a clear report: what has been done, what is in progress, what are the blockers. They want to understand whether the project is going according to plan and schedule, whether there are risks and what will be done next. Formulate your thoughts in a structured and as informative as possible.

Document the result. After the meeting, send a summary and a summary of the call in the chat or by mail: key decisions, deadlines, responsible persons. This will help avoid misunderstandings in the future.

Online etiquette is not a set of boring rules, but the basis of effective team interaction and a professional image. Clear communication, respect for others’ time, technical training and attention to detail – all this makes work processes more productive.
A developer who adheres to these principles not only demonstrates professionalism, but also creates a comfortable atmosphere for the entire team. And this is already half the success in any project.