Virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom and Skype have become an integral part of our professional and personal lives, accelerating particularly in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. From establishing a professional backdrop to wearing appropriate attire, etiquette around virtual meetings continues to evolve. Within this dynamic, a question on growing significance centers around the use of camera – should everyone have their video turned on during virtual meetings or should none at all?
Conference calls, both audio and video, have been foundational to the legal industry for several decades, enabling cost-effective and efficient communication across dispersed teams and clients. Large part of their appeal lies in the freedom they offer participants – dial in a conference number, enter an access code, and you’re all set. Additionally, the widespread adoption of virtual conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams can be attributed to the fact that they provide a more immersive experience, fostering interpersonal connection through visual communication.
Despite the clear benefits, the use of video during virtual meetings remains a contentious topic. While it’s undeniably easier to multitask or navigate emergencies when not being seen on camera, the opportunity cost is a diminished sense of participation. The truth in the sentiment is vividly illustrated by a common scenario: when joining a call and finding yourself to be the only person with video enabled amidst a group of audio-only participants, the reaction oftentimes is to simply switch your camera off too.
That said, some reasons for not turning on the video during virtual meetings are legitimate – for instance, being on the move, attending the call from an inappropriate location, or simply not feeling comfortable broadcasting their current surroundings. However, in the absence of such extenuating reasons, it generally pays to have video enabled during virtual calls. As humans, our perception of individuals significantly improves when we’re able to see and interact with them visually rather than solely through audio.
Participating in a call with video undisputedly demands greater effort. It can require tidying up surroundings, changing into presentable attire, and maintaining a professional demeanor, among others. But, most would agree that such investment is valuable for the improved connection it enables. If a participant, for their personal reasons, finds it inconvenient, that’s entirely acceptable. What’s not fair in most circumstances, however, is for one party to remain on camera while others stick to audio-only mode.
To read the original article in its entirety written by Jordan Rothman, a partner of The Rothman Law Firm, and Founder of Student Debt Diaries, you can visit above the law website.