While many people embrace the idea of an office background free, some prefer to keep their cameras off during online meetings. Team members may prefer their privacy or want to continue working while the meeting progresses.
As a manager, you want to ensure your team members participate in the virtual session, which is challenging if some have their cameras off. There are at least four reasons you should want to keep your camera on during online meetings.
1. Increases Engagement
When a camera is off, it allows for distraction because, if anything, a camera demands accountability. Working on other assignments or reviewing emails is challenging when your entire team can look at you and see you are not paying attention.
Cameras, when on, increase engagement. You are paying more attention to speakers and visuals, allowing you to participate in the dialogue of the meeting. While avoiding meetings for other responsibilities is tempting, you never know when one session might shift your perspective on a difficult project or offer insight into team relations.
2. Helps With Feedback
Many managers won’t go as far as requiring all cameras to be turned on, but they may ask for feedback from specific members of the group, often focusing on those without a camera. The selection is nothing personal, but your manager needs to know you are paying attention to the discussion.
If you are concerned about displaying your personal space, consider using a custom office background. The background allows you to maintain your privacy while participating in the meeting.
Also, if you are providing a presentation, the camera adds value for the rest of the team. You can add visuals or include bulleted lists, which in turn create opportunities for improved feedback from team members.
3. Allows for More Visuals During Meetings
Your camera allows you to showcase your personal space or a virtual environment. Virtual environments can also allow for more visuals during meetings. For example, a team manager can put the agenda up in the background for everyone to see. They may also include statistics or other information pertinent to the discussion. Cameras are among the most valuable tools for remote workers and teams.
4. Reduces the Sense of Isolation
Remote work is often lonely and boring. It is common for people to feel isolated. Isolation is not conducive to a team environment and can hinder productivity.
Having routine meetings with cameras can help offset feelings of isolation, especially if the virtual meetings go beyond project updates. Meetings can be about team development and communication. Many teams will take at least one session per month to play games or simply talk as friends, helping to establish a feeling of belonging and community.
While you can customize Zoom background details to create a unique environment for your team, it does little if everyone does not participate by turning on their cameras. Cameras are essential to effective communication and team building in the virtual workplace. Talk to a remote work professional for more advice.
