Sometimes our bodies speak louder than words, expressing emotions that we’re unaware of. And it’s important to be savvy of what our bodies are communicating when we’re stuck in stressful situations. As giants like Amazon, AT&T, JPMorgan and others push their teams back to the office in 2025, it can be a challenge for employees who must re-learn how to connect face-to-face at work after years of hiding behind screens. If you’re a disgruntled remote worker, forced back into the office, you could be concealing anger and resentment. But to prevent your facial and body posture from speaking for you and exposing your true feelings, there are body language awareness tips that can come in handy.
Body Language Awareness Tips: Master A ‘Poker Face’
Gamblizard analyzed Google Trends data and found that Google searches for “improve body language at work” soared by +245% amid the return-to-office mandates and “nonverbal communication at work” went up by +116% just recently. Our body language speaks volumes. Shuffling feet, frowns or darting eyes signal discomfort and anxiety. But maintaining eye contact demonstrates engagement and interest. Closed, tight arms can convey anger or resentment, and slouching, fidgeting and a limp handshake might convey a lack of confidence.
A “poker face” hides your emotional truths and keeps your opponents guessing. It’s your secret weapon and helps you keep a calm, friendly expression, especially when faced with pressured or challenging situations. In stressful work encounters, it’s important to avoid the urge to raise your eyebrows or tighten your lips—those tiny reactions that give away disdain or hesitation.
Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word. Anxious employees often hunch their heads or slump when they walk without realizing it. These body postures not only reflect what you feel but also contribute to how you feel and can make you appear less confident. But when you act “as if,” your emotions follow suit. Standing tall, holding your head high with shoulders back, makes you look confident, plus it makes you feel confident during the when you return to the office.
The same goes for smiling. When you smile—even if you don’t mean it—you start to feel better and come across as more self-assured. Adjusting body posture, breathing patterns, facial expressions and gestures releases a surge of chemicals that change your internal state and help you put your best foot forward.
4 Body Language Awareness Tips For The Office Return
To ease the shift from “Zoom to room,” Jamie Wall, body language expert at Gamblizard, reveals how to nail in-person communication after Zoom calls, sharing four key tips to help you thrive in the office.
- Rediscover your authentic expressions and gestures. “Remote meetings turned us into virtual robots with flat expressions or even hidden faces. Offline, it’s all about being real. It might take a moment to remember how to make genuine eye contact (not just with your camera)—aim for three to five seconds. Smile more, and mirror expressions when it feels right to show empathy. As for your hands—twirling a pen or doodling during meetings was hidden online, but in person, avoid fidgeting and use purposeful gestures to make points.”
- Read people’s tells. “Remote calls gave us nothing but faces and shoulders, making it easy to misread people. In person, the body language shows the bigger picture. Borrow a trick from poker pros: watch for “tells.” Leaning forward shows engagement, open postures suggest ease, turning away hints at discomfort, and tense shoulders or fidgeting may signal stress. Notice patterns in your colleagues’ body language to decode their moods and pay attention to congruence between words and gestures. By decoding these signals, you can build stronger, more attuned workplace connections and adjust your approach when needed.”
- Practice active listening with your body. “Muting yourself and multitasking was easy online, but offline listening demands more effort. Let your body language fill the gaps and show you’re fully present. Angle your body directly toward the speaker to show that your attention is centered on them. Maintain relaxed eye contact, and add a nod here and there to signal you’re tuned in. When the conversation pauses, resist the urge to jump in immediately. Instead, let your facial expressions—like a raised eyebrow or a small smile—encourage the speaker to continue. But watch for unintentional ‘micro-gestures’, that can reveal impatience or disrespect.”
- Use confidence hacks. “Body language isn’t just for clear communication—it’s your secret weapon for feeling confident and in control. Start by relaxing your shoulders and sitting with your feet flat, spine aligned—you’ll feel grounded and in control. When standing, imagine a string pulling the top of your head upward for an effortlessly confident stance. Avoid hands in pockets—use natural gestures to stay composed. To calm nerves, subtly press your thumb against your palm—this invisible move calms shaky hands and brings focus. When appropriate, small positive touches like a handshake or a pat on the back release oxytocin, helping both parties feel connected and supported.”
A Final Word About Body Language Awareness Tips
Before a shift from “Zoom to room,” try practicing body language awareness tips like pulling your shoulders back, standing or sitting up straight, walking in a more expansive way and smiling. Chances are, you’ll notice a shift in your feelings and attitude. These adjustments can pull you out of self-doubt, anxiety or dread and any other self-defeating emotion, like resentment, that you might unwittingly carry from your remote screen back into the office.