Cameras Off on Zoom? What do you think?
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- What do you think about having cameras off in your zoom meetings?
#leadership #management #camerasoff
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The opinions, information, and advice in this video are mine alone. It may not be applicable to you or your situation. It might not even be legal where you are. Please check your local HR, Legal, or other resources before implementing any of it.
I'm with you Will. I think there is a time and place for cameras to be on. I tend to get more out of a meeting if my camera is on, but I know that isn't the case for everyone. I also read an article about the socio-economic issue of cameras, we are getting a glimpse into people's private lives, and we don't have that right.
I was on a series of calls with our VP and they were in a different room every week. Vaulted ceilings, unobstructed views of their private lake, massive kitchen. Clearly a multi-million dollar house. And good for her, but for the employee sitting in their basement surrounded by kids toys, there is a huge divide.
TLDR: I have my camera on all the time, but I won't mandate it with my team.
Having some self-awareness would probably help that VP. :)
I genuinely feel better when I can see the person on the other side. But I'm very understanding on people and their reasons to not turn it on, so I'm trying my best to not judge people on that reason alone.
Exactly. Good for you.
I'm in sales and frequently hold calls with executives of a range of industries around the world.
I never ask an off camera to be turned on. If it's off then there's a reason. When joining a call most people are thinking about the background, lighting, clothing, hair etc, asking if it's all presentable. If they feel something is off that's where their mind is going to be throughout the call distracted with these concerns. So for them the off camera immediately eliminates all these thoughts and concerns and they can focus more on the call at hand without having to worry about looking presentable & engaged at every moment.
That being said, It really depends on what the call is about. something like therapy will make it difficult without a camera. something highly interactive might too.
I get it. Feels about right to me.
I prefer cameras off for larger group meetings. Many people work from home nowdays and some have limited bandwidth, which can result in a less than perfect audio experience when many cameras are running, sucking up their precious bandwidth.
Smaller meetings I really don't have a preference. On is fine, off is fine, just try to keep up with the pace of the meeting.
Edit:
I also don't care what anyone looks like. We are all hired to do a job, and looks/presentation is not important unless meeting with a customer.
I don't feel comfortable at all when people doesn't turn on the camera. Especially if is a meeting with someone you've never met before
First time, I get it. 20th time? Not so sure?
Glad to see the inclusion of Neurodiversity being considered
It is so important to consider the many types of people there are in the world. And their many different situations.
I'm solidly in the "cameras on" camp. Too much of communication is non verbal to sacrifice it. I agree it can be hard but (and I recognize this may sound harsh) people aren't paid to be comfortable. They are paid to be effective and "cameras on" is the more effective option.
I understand, but it's hard for many people.
They are neurodivergent and cameras are really hard. They live in a bad situation where they need to be private. This is the 6th meeting of the day, and their 103rd meeting with you, why do you need my camera? Etc.
So I understand both sides.
The Defense Department could show us their Faces and workplace backgrounds - but then they had to kill us...
LOL. True