It is the very reason many public servants - from the comforts of their couches, kitchen tables, recliners and the most diverse array of makeshift home-office bunkers in history - are firing up video chats to co-ordinate with their colleagues. For seasoned work-from-home public servants, jumping online for a videoconference is a piece of cake or a stroll in the park. You could do it with your eyes closed except, of course, you know better - and will keep your eyes wide open.

For many who have been thrust into the hardcore reality of videoconferencing for the very first time, putting a smile on your dial - live and online - is a real challenge. The mix of confusing software and outdated hardware along with the discomfort associated with emerging but still rudimentary videoconferencing social norms makes your livestreaming as much a challenge as figuring out how to dial in.

And we have all heard the horror stories. You complain about a blundering manager under your breath to your spouse, slurp your coffee or endure listening to your flatmate singing her favourite tunes out aloud - all while thinking your microphone is on mute. But it is not. There are also inadvertent and unplanned live guest appearances from your pets who require feeding, children who complain of boredom or your sweet-natured but half-naked partner who brings you a morning coffee, not realising you have already gone live in front of workmates.

And what about that time when you were seated at your desk and engaged on the teleconference, with a professional public service looking top half complemented with boxer shorts for your unseen bottom half - only to unthinkingly stand up mid-conference to reveal more to government than you ever intended and your colleagues ever wanted.

But don't despair and don't let paranoia get the better of you.

There are steps that can be taken to make sure your videoconference performance achieves the desired outcomes. It starts with something as simple as the clattering of keyboards. Typing during a videoconference presents a hugely annoying distraction - so avoid it at all costs.

Find a comfortable position and sit up straight. Then lean in a bit so you look confident and friendly. Slouch and not only will you look hesitant but you will appear sloppier than a big bowl of porridge topped with honey.

We tend to shout when not speaking face-to-face so check your sound levels ahead of a videoconference to avoid a killer etiquette blooper. And no malarkey is necessary - be economical with your words when it is your turn to address your fellow public servants.

Control your background by conducting the videoconference in a location that allows an orderly or plain backdrop. Think about a mono-coloured curtain, blind or white wall but don't position yourself behind a reflective glass window or a busy piece of artwork.

Avoid other messy and distracting backgrounds like your laundry on washing day or a sink full of dirty dishes. And make sure you know exactly what is going on behind you - think children, spouses, guests and pets.

If you think being on a videoconference call is a licence to multi-task, stop right there.

Pay attention at all times because other civil servants on the call will be able to see your eyes drifting away as you focus on another task, like checking your social media feed or paying a bill online.

Getting your background light right is important. Adjust the room light levels and, if necessary, use a portable light source to make sure you have light shining at you from the front.

If you get the munchies during a videoconference, hold off until you knock off. Eating will be yet another distraction to civil servants joining you virtually.

Be acutely aware of all-telling facial expressions and body gesturing - those non-verbal forms of communication. The eye roll, for example, when your manager says something bizarre might end up being a permanent record of your disdain.

Becoming intimate with the full features of videoconferencing software can solve many of the challenges you might face. You will discover hand-raising icons that can magically appear on your screen so people don't talk over you. You can even change your background to eliminate unwanted distractions.

Above all, act at home as you would in the office. You may feel more relaxed in a home environment but remember that the same rules and office etiquette apply.

If you are totally self-conscious about your appearance, at least one popular videoconferencing system has a feature that allows you to touch up your appearance with a subtle glow or hide any minor flaws.

While other public servants who know you or have met you in person will probably know you are using that feature, it may just make you feel good - so use it.

At the end of the day, anything that makes us feel just a little better and more comfortable in these challenging times is worth a go.