When you think of telecommuting needs, what often first comes to mind is communication software – like Microsoft Teams and similar platforms. All of this software comes with the option to activate your camera as well as your microphone during meetings. However, do you really have to turn your camera on when you are teleworking? Does this constitute an intrusion into the privacy of your employees? Is it better to communicate with or without the camera? Let’s consider the problem:

The Advantages of Cameras when Teleworking

“When you lose connections, you stop innovating. It’s harder for new ideas to get in and groupthink becomes a serious possibility.”  – Dr. Nancy Baym, Microsoft 

Having meetings with co-workers with cameras on makes it possible to produce an environment that resembles face-to-face, by integrating collaboration, maintaining links between colleagues, encouraging creativity and minimizing isolation.

The use of cameras also allows your employer (and colleagues) to ensure the well-being of other team members through observation of non-verbal cues. We must not forget that non-verbal language accounts for more than 55% of communication.

The Disadvantages of Cameras when Teleworking

Your employer cannot force you to turn on your camera. They also do not have the right to ask you to film yourself during your telework, because this would be an intrusion into your private life. Employees don’t always feel comfortable showing their homes or the people who live with them.

Also, some employees could interpret the request to have their camera activated as a lack of trust, and a means of surveillance on the part of their employer. It is therefore very important that communication be open between employer and employees when it comes to choosing whether or not to activate cameras.

Tips for Protecting Your Privacy

One way to protect your privacy during online meetings is to use virtual backgrounds or a blurred background. This practice makes it possible to avoid showing your home or the other people who live under the same roof.

In short…

It is important to find a balance where all employees feel comfortable during video communications, and empowered to communicate in case of discomfort. Employers should not impose a camera rule.

At MS Solutions, we offer training to improve your experience with teleworking; for example, we offer training on Microsoft Teams. If you have questions, we invite you to contact an expert at 1-888-877-3365, or through our online form.