WFH Pet Peeve

150 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 2,2025 at 7:51PM UTC

   Nope. One of the perks of wfh.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 2,2025 at 8:37PM UTC

   Are you required to be on camera or is it your choice?

3. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 1:16AM UTC

   Most everyone I zoom with who are wfh have cameras on. When I’m home I fluff the hair put on a shirt and lipgloss. I find no reason to gussy up unless it’s a much higher level. Everyone else is in their at home attire and are on camera. I see your point but everyone isn’t required to be on camera. But if they will be in camera I find it a good idea to look somewhat presentable,

4. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdFebruary 3,2025 at 2:00PM UTC

   I dislike WFH overall. But when I do, I always dress just as if I were in the office. For me it's just another thing that puts me in a work mindset.

   If a meeting requires me to use my camera I do. If not, then I don't. But either way, should I get an unexpected video call, I'm ready!

5. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 2:25PM UTC

   Some WFH people are in coffee shops, the beach, babysitting their kids or grandchildren, hiking, and then there are those who really do not like to see them selves on their computer screen. Being on camera is a bit intrusive as that camera is directed right at their face. If you were in a in person meeting, you would be seen but not that up close and personal . I have a tendancy to roll my eyes at stupid. That camera on me all of the time is just going to get me in trouble when I have to sit in a meeting with one person.

6. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 3:17PM UTC

   For me it's definitely seeing myself on the screen. I HATE it. I'm always working from my home office and occasionally working from a room at my mom's or mother-in-law's house, never anywhere public or on vacation. But seeing myself on the screen just makes me self-conscious and distracted. If Teams/Zoom/whatever had a way to hide your camera from your view I'd be fine with being on camera. But I've yet to find a way!

7. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

   Who does work calls hiking, babysitting, grandchildren?? lol! How can you pay any attention or be present?? Hiking and working out should be self care, off time. Sounds like those people need to seriously think about time management.

8. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 3:48PM UTC

   Is this post a joke?! I am unemployed and would gladly be on-camera for a meeting if that's what is required by an employer. And when I was employed, you can be sure that when I was WFH, I treated it as though I were in the office. Hiking?!!

9. Megan LeasherFebruary 3,2025 at 2:53PM UTC

   Many companies have expectations for cameras to be on for virtual meetings. If not, it's the person's choice and anything goes. People can be working from anywhere and might not want to show themselves and/or their background.

10. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 3:13PM UTC

    I never have my camera on. If I didn't see myself on the screen I wouldn't mind but I find it really distracting and end up focusing on how bad I look on video instead of the conversation. I do better without seeing myself. So far the business hasn't required me to be on it.

11. Michelle StewartFebruary 3,2025 at 3:28PM UTC

    Unless I am required or asked to be on camera, I'm not. Even when I worked in an office, it was satellite and meetings were often held over the phone, forget Teams or anything like that. Yeah - I would be seen if I was in the office to my local team, not the whole company. If I know I'm going to be required to be on video, pending who I'm speaking with, I have a virtual background and either wear a company shirt or throw a cardigan over one of my t-shirts to make it look like I dressed up. As a general rule, we are not required to be on camera.

12. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 4:28PM UTC

    I typically work from home 2-3 days a week and will likely have multiple Teams calls during that time with multiple people around the organization. I'd much prefer to not be on camera as much as possible. Right now, my home office is a work in progress that I don't have time to work on because I'm always working. Not a huge deal as far as being on camera is concerned - but still. Add to that, my face is loud. What I mean, is I don't have to say a single word and I don't have to. People can easily read my face. If it's a 1:1 call, sometimes I will go on camera, sometimes I won't.

13. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 10:34PM UTC

    My home office is a bit of a wreck, so I use a background that looks like a friendly office or my logo (depending on who I am talking to). Zoom, Google Meet, and MS Teams all have this feature. I always spruce up a bit and put on a nice shirt. Where I have worked, you are only allowed off-camera if you are driving or traveling.

14. AnonymousFebruary 3,2025 at 10:41PM UTC

    I find camera's to be distracting from the conversation no matter who has it on and prefer when no one has it on. I have a hard time controlling what my face does when I'm thinking about how to respond and therefore I keep my camera off to not accidently offend anyone. I do have a little more control if I'm meeting with someone in person (it takes more energy though).

15. LisaFebruary 4,2025 at 1:24PM UTC

    The cameras should be on. You should be attentive and professional. If you can't control your expressions on camera, you can't control them in an in-person meeting and should not attend. This is still a job, and you are still getting paid by a company, even if you are at home.

16. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:25PM UTC

    I work from home but rarely have the camera on for virtual meetings. My internet is pretty poor and having the camera on seems to take up needed bandwidth. I'm not completely rural, but fairly.

17. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:26PM UTC

    I honestly find the obsession with having cameras on a bit weird. Why do you need to see somebody’s face to have a conversation? We went for years making business deals, etc., over the phone. The projecting of “it makes people feel more connection” is on the person projecting that thought. Also zoom or video call fatigue is a real thing. It gets annoying after a while.

    If you’re concerned about somebody’s performance, etc., by all means, address that. The obsession with cameras should stop now though.

18. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    I couldn't disagree more. Teams/Zoom are intended to "see" people not just have audio conversations, which you can simply do by phone. I honestly find it weird NOT having your camera on when you are on a Zoom or Teams call. Enough already. Cameras on when you are meeting and stop this whole "not camera ready" nonsense. You're not getting ready to go on TV or anything like that. It's just a call. Do we all get Zoom fatigue? Sure, I will be the first to recognize that. But should that prevent us from having our cameras on during virtual meetings at least 60-70% of the time? Absolutely not.

19. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:34PM UTC

    Well we can certainly agree to disagree. If somebody is already established in a company, I personally have no need to see their face on camera all the time. It accomplishes nothing in my opinion.

20. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 2:00PM UTC

    It seems like you’re just concerned with whether your coworkers are dressed up or not. That’s an issue of being controlling, not of productivity.

21. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:50PM UTC

    So much this! How many of us remember the years and years of conference calls that were all done over the phone. I don't even look at my coworkers in teams meetings (half the time they're sharing their screen anyway and their cameras, if they're on, are off to the side. I find them distracting and frankly I'd just turn them all off if I could.

22. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:57PM UTC

    I think people like that are controlling. Full stop. Why else would you care that much?

    I may be triggered lol I’m just SO tired of people placing so much importance on things that don’t matter. It’s almost always done to the detriment of the work.

23. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:31PM UTC

    WFH = Cameras On. Period.

24. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:34PM UTC

    I really like seeing my co-workers’ faces on camera during meetings. Once people start turning their cameras off, you don’t know if they are present during the call or paying attention at all. Unless you need to excuse yourself to use the restroom, get a glass of water or you are really under the weather with the flu, keep your camera on. We are all adults and professionals here. Please.

25. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    Hey, do you know that means you can turn your camera off too when you don't feel like it? Liberate yourself!

26. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:51PM UTC

    I couldn’t care less if my coworkers have their cameras on. I genuinely only care about the work getting done. My major pet peeve is people focusing on office trivialities.

    I don’t need to monitor my coworkers to make sure they’re listening. My assumption is that they’re doing their job, just as I am.

27. Valerie MuhammadFebruary 4,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

    Is it appropriate to apply for more than one open position at the same company?

28. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:59PM UTC

    This is something I personally agree with. I have wfh since 2016 and been in companies where most people have cameras off and others mostly on. I think personally that cameras on is much more collaborative, you also develop better connections. I do think, despite working at home, you should still be presentable. I personally felt quite isolated when I worked in a mostly cameras off company but that may just be more my personality.

29. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 1:59PM UTC

    There are so many compelling reasons to be upset during your work day. I would get over this one. It's not a disruption.

30. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 2:07PM UTC

    I’ve worked for a firm where folks can decide if they want cameras on or off, and most of the time they chose to leave them off. It was the same thing with the clients we worked with at the time.

    Then I moved on to a company where it was a requirement for cameras to be on for all meetings unless you were eating, driving, or not feeling well. Being on camera for all meetings got tiring really fast, especially on days when I had back to back calls. My eyes felt fatigued.

    There was a report that came out a few years ago that found keeping cameras on during virtual meetings actually hurt new employees and female employees.

31. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 2:26PM UTC

    I just started a new WFH job where most do not turn their camera's on. I have been scheduled for 2-3 person "Meet & Greets" where I am the only one with my camera on. This makes it difficult to connect and to "put a face with the name." My preference is that if it is a small meeting or I'm presenting the camera should be on. Large meetings it is fine to have the camera off. I have been fixing myself up daily with make-up, hair, and wardrobe - but I'm probably going to stop doing this. Another thing I've noticed is that the pictures others have chosen for their logo appear to be years younger than they really are, or it just doesn't match what they look like because they look so disheveled currently. Regarding what some others have said about not wanting to be on camera because of their facial expressions - I find it useful to monitor my expression. I tend to get RBF, and when I'm on camera it reminds me to smile.

32. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 2:49PM UTC

    Of all the things to be upset about at work, this is not one. If I’m not presenting, there are times I turn my camera off because I’m multitasking and don’t want to distract the person speaking. Or I have no other choice but to eat my lunch during a meeting because I’m back to back all day. I’m sure others have their reasons. Maybe give others some grace and come from a place of understanding instead of judgment.

33. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 3:27PM UTC

    There's other hills to die on. If work is getting done, and the team is getting along, who cares if a wfh person gets on camera? I do not say this to be unkind. I do understand that it is your pet peeve.

34. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 3:45PM UTC

    I agree with you. Working from home shouldn't be viewed as a pass to completely relax or dismiss all office etiquette. In fact, it should be viewed as an opportunity to show that your professionalism carries over no matter what or where the setting is. It's a privilege to be able to work remotely. And if given that privilege the very least one can do is pay attention the little things like grooming and appearances. Don't need to get super fancy, but looking presentable should be the goal. And turn your camera on

35. QFebruary 4,2025 at 3:58PM UTC

    I agree with you. Once in a while to have the camera off is one thing, but consistently is very problematic. I've worked from home since before the pandemic and I make it a point to be on camera as much as possible. It gives me face time with my colleagues. That said, I do want to call out that for some individuals who may in fact be very high performers, they may also be on the autism spectrum or have ADHD. For those cases, being on camera can actually be a huge distraction from their concentration on what is being said, so it's also important to recognize the why behind someone going off camera. Doing it just because you "aren't presentable" is very different than doing it because you will be laser focused on the conversation and better able to participate.

36. Danielle SimonFebruary 4,2025 at 4:20PM UTC

    Sorry, but this is silly. The effort that goes into getting decent early in the morning is one of the hassles of working in person.

    We need downvote/dislike buttons here.

37. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 5:22PM UTC

    No, remember we are here to encourage and foster positive environment for women to share. It may not be a topic of huge discussion, but certsinly not to generate negativity.

38. Sharmil McKeeFebruary 5,2025 at 4:06PM UTC

    100% agree. Wish we had a downvote button. People will fight and waste time over the goofiest stuff.

39. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 5:19PM UTC

    It is not just wfh people who do this. Some people never do it, even if in the office.

40. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 6:08PM UTC

    Wow shaming others for how they look? Why does that even matter? WFH does not mean dress a certain way. Casual and business casual is the norm these days. If looks and cameras matter so much to you perhaps you should work in TV or the movies. Get over it you are not the fashion police unless the company has a dress code leave this be.

41. AnonymousFebruary 4,2025 at 11:38PM UTC

    To each their own. I think every company and every person is different.

    Personally, if I am in a small meeting, especially one where I am expecting to participate, then I do make it a point to be on camera. But when I’m in a larger meeting, where I’m not presenting, then I usually don’t see the benefit of having it on. My co-workers don’t need to see me staring blankly into my screen as I listen, or watch me eat, or work. So I think there is a middle ground.

42. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 2:01AM UTC

    Great point! Exactly

43. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:18PM UTC

    I'm in finance. The whole dept has unofficially decided to officially never be on camera. We're also all working from home over 90% of the time. When I meet with other departments, it depends. They're also mostly working from home. I don't think anyone really cares if cameras are on or not.

44. Marisa C.February 5,2025 at 1:21PM UTC

    When in meetings at the office- do you make it an effort to stare directly at a person the entire meeting? Do you shift your gaze and stand directly in front of multiple people to catch their every reaction, notice their makeup choices or earring choices, bad hair day etc.? No.

    Typcially we are seeing the back of people's heads or side profiles, when in person or looking down at our phones (lets be honest).

    There is a level of vulnerability and intimacy that is unescapable when WFH and to be constantly on stage is overwhelming for many. So much focus needs to be on our job, not having people judge us by how camera ready we are or how focused or engaged we "look" while on zoom meetings.

    So yes, my camera is off at least 1-2x a meeting a day. Ask me my takeaways or recommendations post-meeting- you'll see I was engaged.

45. KimplanetstlFebruary 5,2025 at 5:27PM UTC

    Yes, I do look at the other people for their reactions and shift my gaze away from the speaker. And the speaking person I have set up to switch to my main screen.

46. Lori CasoFebruary 5,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

    I agree with the writer of the post. This just widens the divide of those who work in office and those who wfh.

    If there is a meeting, cameras should be on for everyone …

47. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

    Yep, that’s a pet peeve. I would call it an unpopular opinion. Lol.

48. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:52PM UTC

    I think "pet peeve" is a more eloquent way of stating it though. At least that acknowledges that the view is personal and perhaps irrational irritant.

    Conversely, OP seems as if she's looking to get to the bottom of it and get ppl in trouble over it - not cool (based on the facts given).

49. John JervisFebruary 5,2025 at 1:25PM UTC

    Also there's the real world consideration that not all WFH people have room in their living situation for a dedicated office space. There is no need for anyone at the office to judge someone elses living situation. IF there's a need to be on camera as a presenter or one of the key personnel for the meeting then I would expect some effort to be made to look "office" ready and be in a more neutral environment with less background noise.

50. Bosslady641946February 5,2025 at 1:33PM UTC

    You can put up a virtual background if you don’t want everyone to see you actual living conditions. 50% of our firm does that. Also, we have started requiring people to be on camera during some meetings, like monthly firm check-ins.

51. KimplanetstlFebruary 5,2025 at 5:25PM UTC

    Have you never heard of the filters?

52. Darenda CarterFebruary 5,2025 at 1:27PM UTC

    Any time I work from home I always get up & get ready just like I would if I go into the office & I don’t use a camera for work it’s just easier to stay in a routine, if I had to use a camera I think I would turn it off through out the day a couple of times for the reason other posters have said, I don’t need anyone seeing me stare blankly as I listen or while I am working on a project

53. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    We have a cameras-on policy and it has made all the difference. I agree that if you're "in" a meeting you should be fully in it and having cameras off widens the divide between WRH staff and in office staff. It's a simple solution if you have management that's willing to take a stand.

54. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

    Respectfully, you are what we like to call professionally a “Hater.”

    why would someone need to have their camera on? They are present in the meeting. They can get the information they need, and the work is getting done. It seems like you’re more miserable that you have to be on camera because you are in the office setting versus being concerned about what they are doing in the privacy of their personal workspace. Your only concern should be whether they are doing their work. If they are turning in things before the deadline and at meetings. Then You should focus more on yourself love.

55. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    No need to take this personal by attacking the OP. If we are honest , everyone who remains off camera is not engaged in the conversation.

56. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:47PM UTC

    Thats a helluva a conclusion to jump to kangaroo jack. I'd almost go as far to label that an "unconscious bias."

    Check yourself ?

57. PatriciaFebruary 5,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

    Why does it matter so much? Is the employee completing their tasks in a timely fashion? If so, who are you to judge?

    I work from home most of the time and am only required to attend in person a few times a year as it's almost a 3-hour commute to the office. I use Wi-Fi internet and during busy periods I will drop out if I keep my camera on as video uses a lot of bandwidth. My colleagues get it, so they don't whine about it.

    What's more important is the level of productivity, not whether your camera is on.

58. Tanya JarrettFebruary 5,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    The deep irony of posting this anonymously is *chef’s kiss*.

59. Sharmil McKeeFebruary 5,2025 at 3:56PM UTC

    Say it one more time for the people in the back.

60. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

    Online meeting without video is like old school conference calls. Dial into a number and nobody sees each other and you just talk and maybe all look at the same document. Why do online meetings HAVE to have video? It is distracting sometimes.

61. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

    THIS!

    Funny story: my fortune 500 company required cameras on during covid but quickly back petaled when they realized how much bandwidth it required and the additional technical issues that came with it lol!

62. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:40PM UTC

    I wonder if this is a generational thing. I am an experienced worker. I have presented in person and virtually for years now. I would much rather present in person. You just get more interaction - Fact. Recently, I had to present virtually to our whole organization, and I requested camera's on to encourage that interaction. I didn't get camera's on, and I didn't get a lot of interaction. Primarily the interaction came from the executive staff rather than the front line who ultimately needed the information. I trust they got the needed information but alas, I just don't know.

63. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    Unless they are breaking some company policy or they are YOUR direct reports and you've instructed them of your preference for cameras to b on why are u concerned?

    Find somewhere more productive (i.e., within your job role, life, etc.) to direct this excess energy.

64. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:44PM UTC

    If I may, the issue may often be deeper than you think.

    I am autistic. I was only diagnosed at 52. I suspect I am far more autistic than people realize, based on my life experiences. I absolutely hate being on camera.

    It has nothing to do with the reasons neurotypicals think. It's not because I'm lazy. I'm perfectly capable of getting dressed and brushing my hair. It's not because I don't want to be accepted or "part of the team spirit." I want that more than anything.

    No. My reluctance is based on past experiences and my apparent inability to control microexpressions that drive neurotypical people buggy and cost me my job. Case in point: I recently lost a contract I had successfully gotten renewed every other year out of the past seven. The only thing that changed? I got a new manager who wanted to emphasize warm, fuzzy, team communication. Now I am out of work — again — in the worst economy ever. Getting let go over "not fitting into the team culture/vibe" (this time's excuse was "you just don't seem happy — even though I had literally earned bonuses the past two quarters on top of meeting all my work requirements). As a result, I have endured considerable economic strife, including homelessness. I also have picked up several other chronic diseases that make working outside the home a real challenge. I'm fortunate now to have a partner who cares and can help support me while I look, but that wasn't always the case.

    So, please. Have sensitivity. I'm speaking out because people need to know. Many, many neurodiverse people seek telecommuting work because of experiences exactly like mine.

    We aren't bad.

    We aren't lazy.

    We're often the hardest and most dependable workers on your team (I never missed a single deadline).

    However, the intricacies and requirements of office politics is something many of us just can't do, and the cost to us is extreme. Have you asked yourself why it's so important to you to have the camera on? Were you expecting your fellow employees to communicate via interpretive dance? If not, I suggest it's another example of neurotypicals demanding that neurodiverse individuals fit their mold or else -- and I can tell you, that "or else" is devastating. If the people in question are otherwise doing their work, why not let them work as they work best? Why do they have to be on camera to satisfy your needs when you won't let them be off camera to satisfy theirs? Is it a power trip that's really worth it to your bottom line --- or your soul?

65. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:48PM UTC

    this ? ? ?

66. Julie S.February 5,2025 at 3:50PM UTC

    This this! The power trip feels like a boomer take. We are professionals let us work the way we find comfortable. My company does camera on only with the higher ups our normal day to day meetings are voice only.

67. Molly FFebruary 5,2025 at 5:03PM UTC

    It's definitely a power trip so she can make sure they're paying attention and keep an eye on them.

68. Lexie GarberFebruary 5,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

    I can tell you that I have a WFH job, and I am on camera more than 80% of the time. I have to spend more time taking care of my appearance than if I had a desk job in person. I see thousands more people than I would at a "traditional" in person job.

69. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:56PM UTC

    A peeve I have had are the ones who ghost and feel no obligation whatsoever to RESPOND to emails. Sometimes I cannot do my job without someone in operations/back office granting access, etc. and yet I am the one held accountable! I am here. Responsive. Working in person. Every day. The people who do not respond have hybrid schedules. I think if you are blessed enough to have a job in which you can work from home AND are never held accountable for this behavior then you are quite privileged to be able to take advantage...

70. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 2:49PM UTC

    Did you reply to the wrong thread?

71. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 3:20PM UTC

    No. Just another peeve related to WFH.

72. KimplanetstlFebruary 5,2025 at 5:20PM UTC

    I agree that WFH'ers MUST be available during a certain window and immediately respond to messages. I've had to text co-workers to get their attention. Weird that they'll respond to those but not answer their phones or respond to emails.

73. Molly FFebruary 6,2025 at 3:32PM UTC

    So when in the office, do people step away from their desk to go to the restroom or get a drink? Do they ever walk over to someone else's desk to chat? Or are they chained to their desk so they can respond to you immediately?

74. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

    I work from home 80% of the time. When we meet with new vendors, I turn my camera on. This is my first WFH job after years and years of going to the office, paying hundreds of dollars for 52 weeks of office attire, frying my hair to look decent every morning, clogging my pores with makeup… but that’s only part of it.

    As someone else posted, I am neurodivergent with extreme ADHD. I get anxiety on camera, even if I’m not speaking, to the point I have multiple fidget toys I use under the table to keep from twitching throughout the meeting. Interviews for jobs during the pandemic were torture and I was rejected from dozens of positions I was more than qualified for because I was a terrible on-camera interview.

    I am more than capable of getting dressed in the morning, but I’m fortunate enough to work for a team without antiquated haters who think working from home means lazy and unproductive.

75. Elizabeth KrauzaFebruary 5,2025 at 2:00PM UTC

    I was once "called to the carpet" because the expression on my face was noted. A team member at a former job I had was a habitual bully (as in she made over a dozen people quit- obviously a very toxic environment) and she made it a point to disrespect people at the team Skype meetings. One day she was berating a much older (and very kind) team mate and I guess I didn't hide my disgust very well. So I understand the need to have the camera off. Being expected to "mask" 24/7 is exhausting! Also, if one person can have the camera off, then anyone else should be able to as well (don't bring hierarchy into this issue).

76. Amanda BrownFebruary 5,2025 at 2:18PM UTC

    Have you heard of Zoom fatigue? It's real.

    When my division started working remotely, I found that certain people (the extroverted ones who relish long and frequent meetings) started expecting more and more time in video conferences. The eye strain alone was uncomfortable enough. I had to cover the tiny bright light next to the camera because it was distracting and hurt my eyes. Seeing myself onscreen constantly left me policing my own expressions more than I ever could in person.

    It wasn't about my hair and my shirt. It was about being in extended video conference jail and judging myself over the constant visual feedback. Your associates who frequently work remotely are probably in a whole lot more of these calls than you are, and are probably exhausted by yet another meeting where they're asked to turn their cameras on.

77. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 3:17PM UTC

    Spot on!!! This was me, I worked fully remote since 2020. The deluge of constant team meetings and being chained to my desk (to prove my presence) created a next-level of painful eye strain and mental exhaustion that I have battled constantly. Thank you for this insightful post!

78. KimplanetstlFebruary 5,2025 at 5:17PM UTC

    I agree with this comment but with a disclaimer. Sometimes at the end of the day, I will ask the others in the Zoom if they mind if we turn the cameras off as it's been a long day and we can relax a bit. I don't do this for morning or early afternoon meetings.

79. SFebruary 7,2025 at 1:46AM UTC

    Definitely ophthalmic health is an enormous concern with cameras always on for all meetings, especially long and/or back-to-back-to-back multiple meetings every day! The human eye simply was not meant to endure constant computer or any digital screen usage of any kind. For those with existing ocular issues and disabilities, this can exacerbate and worsen symptoms and cause damage. Eyes need rest. And it just isn't necessary. As others have mentioned here, we all had conference calls in the past ( just landline phones without screens) and everything was fine...

80. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 2:18PM UTC

    I am required to hold certain meetings for compliance purposes. When they are online and cameras on, I actually have people paying attention. When they are off, people are doing other work or are not even at their computer. I KNOW what I do is often not their top priority, but I am supposed to certify this happened and the attendance. With the support of my boss, these are now camera on.

    I don’t have issue with all attendees having cameras off in other situations.

81. Genelle ClarkFebruary 5,2025 at 3:00PM UTC

    Most people in my company work from home and recently a policy was put in place requiring us to have cameras on for all meetings. It was probably for the reasons you are citing but the other reason for us was that we didn't even know what our co-workers or supervisors look like. They even provided us with a company logo background to use so people can't see our houses.

82. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 3:29PM UTC

    I’ve worked from home for 15 years unless I was at a customer or company meeting. Sometimes I just felt like working from the office so went to the local office.

    The first 10 years of remote work cameras were on for urgent or introductory calls. None of my coworkers or customers had an issue with this ‘standard’.

    Once COVID hit everyone wanted cameras on for various reasons. This change in practice served its purpose for the short term. Now, 5-years later and I won’t turn my camera on unless it is necessary. You are assuming people aren’t professionally attired. Maybe they are maybe they aren’t. If the job is getting done cameras don’t matter. If it’s not then there are bigger issues.

83. Evelyn LivantFebruary 5,2025 at 3:44PM UTC

    From reading this and the comments I wonder if the experiences depend on company size & role. I’m a Software/ Business Intelligence Engineer working 100% remote since COVID in a few different companies.

    Rarely are we expected to be on camera. I’m on small, highly responsible teams with no issues of attention.

    I have a CIO who likes to go on camera but it’s not required. I’ll make an extra effort when I know I have a meeting with him.

    The employer I had when COVID hit thought it was awesome when I wasn’t camera worthy, but I was working my butt off.

    On this job I’ve gone above and beyond by writing extra documentation, developed useful tools that the company needs, and taken it on myself to independently develop skills to solve problems in undocumented systems. My employer is thrilled with my performance and doesn’t care if I work in a nightgown. At least no one asks me how I’m dressed.

    If I don’t bother to comb my hair until midday who cares?

    Can someone explain to me why you have to treat work like a fashion event? Why is this an issue and why is not being able to go on camera a problem?

    Thanks in advance

84. Holly Heller-RossFebruary 5,2025 at 4:12PM UTC

    Wondering if there are business reasons to expect camera on? Are you or others seeing productivity or connection declines? Fewer shared good ideas? Are camera on people dominating discussions?

    If not, then let the peeve go- it's not helping you achieve your career or personal goals.

85. Sharmil McKeeFebruary 5,2025 at 4:18PM UTC

    Why can’t we have a little more empathy for others? It’s a cognitive bias to think that everyone thinks like you do and has the same needs that you do. Some people work better with their cameras on and some work better with their cameras off. Can we make space for both?

86. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 4:21PM UTC

    Consider this: I am autistic and have severe camera phobia and insecurities about my body and appearance, both stemming from childhood trauma. I respect and comply with the need to be on camera in meetings *when necessary* for the sake of general expectations and providing good service. But being required to have the camera on the ENTIRE time for EVERY little meeting is so stressful and distracting that it affects my ability to be truly present and engaged (not to mention it's pointless in large meetings).

    Luckily, my role doesn't require me to work outside my personal network very often, but if I'm thrown into a project meeting with majority people I don't know, then of course I suck it up and turn the camera on. Bosses generally won't enforce camera policy either unless they're getting pressured by the higher ups (which certainly contributes to the overall dissent among the ranks, as policy is mandated by people who have no clue who we are and what we do).

    I realize some people desperately need the visual there for comfort and nonverbal communication just as badly as I need it off to quell my anxiety. In these cases, I wish they would be (politely) upfront about it so we can discuss and compromise. But generally, I assume most people aren't at either extreme and (hope) they would be willing to accommodate either way.

    More to the point, I was willing to sympathize with your POV until you had to make this about people's appearance and presentability, as though they have some obligation to be on display for you. That's super weird and tells me you don't really care about the reason cameras are off (or perhaps even think there's any acceptable one), you just want to be in control. Besides, you don't know what's really going on in people's lives - some days it might take everything they have to even log in and be there for you at all.

87. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 4:32PM UTC

    When I am on camera I cannot for the life of me focus on the conversation. I'm way to focused on how I look and controlling my expressions. 90% of the time (unless it's an early meeting or something) I'm fully presentable for camera but I do not work as efficiently if camera is on. And even if camera is on I'm multi tasking most of the time anyway. It's mostly expected that we do. With 80% of the day in meetings how else do I get any work done?

88. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 4:55PM UTC

    I am so sick of people like you imposing their working preferences on others. Seriously just let people work the way they prefer. If the work is getting done there’s really no problem.

89. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 4:57PM UTC

    Get over it. I have worked from home for close to 20 years. I rarely ever have my camera on. It's definitely not a company requirement. Before COVID, one manager tried to make her team use cameras and there was major push back. It was dropped. In our meetings people very rarely have them on. When I have meetings with customers, they also rarely have them on. We are a mix of home and office workers. I don't need to make myself "presentable" and turn on my camera just to please someone you.

90. Dana GonzalezFebruary 5,2025 at 5:16PM UTC

    I feel that transparency and professionalism mandates that you are "live" when meeting virtually. I don't think you should be dining or entertaining a pet or sitting cross legged on your couch. However, if you must engage in household chores while on a professional call, do turn the camera off. I don't think there is a requirement to be "camera ready" - not a photo shoot, but there is something to be said for face-to-face conversation. I worry that COVID and the prevalence of virtual engagement is allowing us to slide irreparably into sloppy habits.

91. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 5:26PM UTC

    Umm no, you don't get to spy into my house regardless of what I look like. My camera stays off. The end

92. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 7:57PM UTC

    Blur your background.

93. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 5:33PM UTC

    And this is one of the main reason I dont work from home. My home is my santuactuary. My office is my workspace. I can't blur the two. It feels like in an invasion anytime I have to do a zoom for work or non work. I try and go to a coffee shop or library. I also hate that work doesn't comp me for electricity and other utilities that I use when I have to wfh. It's great when I have a doctors appointment but that is the only time I use wfh.

94. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 9:21PM UTC

    The comp for electricity is what you save in Time commuting, Time for Preparation, and gas, bus, train fees, fares, tolls.

    i understand you keep your home a safe and peaceful place. Don’t conflate the commute costs/time with the costs of peace and electricity.

95. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 6:23PM UTC

    I do think it's interesting that we now think cameras on during virtual meetings is a must because otherwise how do we know you're paying attention? What did we do before video calls? Conf calls on the phone, where not one camera was included, or maybe a WebEx type call with the presentation as the only visual. People disengage even in in-person meetings. It's not about having a camera on. And for those that are full time WFH, I'm sure that the "Zoom fatigue" aspect comes into play too where ALL interactions are virtual and having the camera on for every meeting is draining. So let's just call it what it is, a new way for people to force others into a perceived engaged participant in the meeting. Instead, make meetings more meaningful and useful to those that attend and only have those that need to attend invited. If it could have been an email, make it so. Cameras always on does not = paying attention by default. Instead, maybe make it optional, unless called on or speaking for better visibility. Or just make it optional. This argument does tend to get old, having heard it so much. As for those in-office, 98% of the meetings I attend now are also virtual, whether people are in the office or not. It's convenient, and people lean into that in today's busy world. Just look at it from different perspectives.

96. Nancy RansomFebruary 6,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

    Excellent points.

97. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 7:56PM UTC

    I work for an organization that is 100% remote. It is expected that you will be on camera for all calls. If your camera is off, you need to a real good reason! It is a common courtesy. Having your camera on also shows that you are engaged in the meeting.

98. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 12:52PM UTC

    Not a company I would want to work for, that's for sure.

99. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 1:32PM UTC

    Thank you for that comment. If it a requirement that's one thing but if it is optional then that is a different scenario. I've done both, but typically we are not required to be on camera.

100. IreneFebruary 5,2025 at 8:01PM UTC

     I don't think so much emphasis should be placed on whether the camera is on or off for those who WFH. I wfh and sometimes have my camera off during meetings. I am typically the first one to log in for the day on my team, often work through lunch, and am probably more productive than anyone on my team. This sounds like a little bit of envy. Focus on what matters.

101. Kim RaperFebruary 5,2025 at 8:34PM UTC

     Camera use eats up bandwidth and its not viable for most companies to have a lot of camera usage on a consistent basis.

102. Melinda MaloneFebruary 5,2025 at 8:37PM UTC

     I haven’t noticed it because I focus on myself. Perhaps they don’t have the best internet service to have the camera on. Maybe they are a caregiver on their WFH days. WFH is supposed to be a benefit. Right now I’m 2/5 remote but I believe one day I’ll be 100 and I wouldn’t want anyone imposing the previous standards back on me.

103. Regina BrownFebruary 5,2025 at 10:33PM UTC

     But how does their not being on camera affect how you perform your job?

     You are not responsible for their bills nor are they responsible for your bills.

     Their being off/on camera has nothing to do with how you care for yourself, your family, affect your income or your health.

     Each individual has to account for what IS their responsibility and lays no burden on you.

104. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 11:25PM UTC

     Get over yourself. There's plenty of reasons someone would want their camera off, whether disability or not wanting to share their background, not having the bandwidth. If you're concerned that someone isn't there or paying attention, ask them a question. Otherwise, as others have said, it doesn't affect your job so control the things you can and let go of the things you have no control over.

105. AnonymousFebruary 5,2025 at 11:56PM UTC

     I interviewed remotely during COVID shut down days. Was hired remotely. Received my laptop in the mail (nope, didn't need anything but my laptop, although they offered me things like mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.) Onboarded remotely. Sat on Teams for days shadowing my partner-in-crime while learning the job. It was great! It's been 4 years, I've been at the office maybe 5 times. I very rarely open my camera. Everyone knows it. I get calls every day to work on things with co-workers. I don't do chores. I don't pay bills. I don't have visitors. I just work. My neighbors think I don't even live here because they never see me. One of my neighbors also worked from home, but she was always outside in her yard gardening, visiting neighbors, out for a walk. I didn't get that. But then, she didn't keep that job for long either. - I'm the only fully remote person in my group. But there is nothing in my job that requires, or even would be more helpful, if I were onsite. I don't feel a need to please anyone but my boss and they are happy with my contributions, my performance, and don't see any need for me to take up office space, especially if it's something I don't want. Our team is professional and works together very well. I'm past the days where I worked (also well) with a bunch of people, stressful jobs, and we'd finish the day with tequila shots in someone's office. Sometimes mine! That was fun too back then. Possibly things could change. Management changes could force the issue. But not for me. Hopefully my boss would win the fight. If not I would appreciate the effort and bow out.

106. Jeaninne RowlandFebruary 6,2025 at 1:32AM UTC

     I work remotely for a telecommunications company. 100% flexible remote, my address is where I recieve inventory. we have a single meeting call Monday morning. attendance is mandatory, whether you are driving on your way to an install, or only woke up 20 minutes ago or dont even work mondays. dial in and cameras on is optional, and encouraged only for the purpose of creating a more personable culture with your coworkers. my team has some of the better numbers in the country.

     it's not about the cameras.

107. Whitney DrakeFebruary 6,2025 at 2:00AM UTC

     Honestly, cameras off isn't an issue to me. As someone who has worked remotely for a decade, very few internal meetings require cameras being on (calls with clients are the exception). As far as reasons why - sometimes people are working while sick, with a migraine, or working through pain from a disability. Or the most mundane - they didn't get a chance to clean up what's in view of the camera, their internet is slow and they're saving bandwidth to avoid the call being choppy, or they're working from somewhere that isn't home because their internet was out, and they don't want anyone judging them.

     But you know what having a camera off doesn't change? Their ability to get their work done. (If anything, for most, having cameras off means nobody has to worry about appearance - just their work)

108. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 3:27PM UTC

     My laptop camera turns me into a tomato. It doesn't matter the lighting or room. Something with my camera & skin tone, I look like I've spent all day in the sun. :-) So no camera for me!

109. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 6:19PM UTC

     I originally read this as "turns me into a tornado" and was thinking what kind of filters do you have?? LOL

110. Jill Decker, RNFebruary 6,2025 at 1:14PM UTC

     Not going to lie. I thought for a year my camera on my laptop was broken. Apparently, there is a slide button. And mine was shut.

111. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 2:05PM UTC

     Laptop cameras are crappy anyway. I have an external one. Somewhere. I rarely use it because going on camera rarely happens.

112. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 1:20PM UTC

     My only rhetorical question is why do people feel so strongly about other people do something simply because they themselves do it?

     In this case why do you feel as though because you make a choice to be on camera or work at a company that requires you to go in an office that you feel that others should have to do the same as you even though their choices are not the same as yours and your choices have nothing to do with them or their work?

113. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

     It's required that we are on video for all calls at my company. The only exception is when we're on the road for safety. Your company would need to implement a policy like this and enforce it. I work from home 100% of the time and I'm wearing sweatpants or shorts on the bottom but wearing something office/client appropriate on top every day. I'm on video calls at least 4-5 hours daily whether it's clients, vendors or internal colleagues. The only time we turn off our cameras would be a client call where they are all not on video but even then our management wants us to be on video.

114. Stefany ChirinosFebruary 6,2025 at 1:56PM UTC

     i agree 100%

115. Sue WhiteFebruary 6,2025 at 2:00PM UTC

     I have been WFH for over 5 years now. One reason I don't automatically turn on my camera is I find it very distracting on meetings watching people multitask and seeing children/pets wander in and out of view while someone is giving a presentation. There are meetings where it is beneficial, but all meetings do not require everyone to have their camera on.

     When we had an office, we would have conference calls, and no cameras were on. Some groups would be in a conference room and remote locations would also be in conference rooms without cameras.

116. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 2:04PM UTC

     Yeah, no. Not necessarily. I can be on camera in a meeting but can totally zone out in the meeting based on any number of factors (yay for being neurodiverse). Too, I may find myself too focused or too distracted by either myself or something/someone else on camera. Honestly, the majority of time my team may go on camera is for something fun.

117. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 2:05PM UTC

     This is a big problem and needs to be addressed from the company. For instance my company spells out in our WFH agreement that on camera is a requirement. Our remote workers have the expectation that you must be presentable for work just as if you were in the office. If we find it’s repetitive we can and have revoked employee WFH privileges in the past. I feel your frustration and it’s totally justified. The rules should be applied equally for in person and remote workers. Unfortunately unless the company sets and holds expectations then it will continue to happen.

118. Journie FordFebruary 6,2025 at 2:12PM UTC

     I do understand the argument/point but what I do not understand is why people get so bothered by other people's action that has almost zero impact on them but they create a situation for it to affect them emotionally. Just focus on you and do you! It is like you feel miserable so you hope others feel some discomfort too

119. Charlene SabioFebruary 6,2025 at 11:28PM UTC

     This!!

120. Zeecil KimmelFebruary 6,2025 at 2:56PM UTC

     I object to the supposition that this has anything to do with WFH. Corporate culture and people actually dictate when cameras are on or not. I have worked from home most of my career and in my previous job at a large corporation, video conferences were the only way we could see teammates and all of us put on our cameras to create more closeness. In my current company, no one uses their video and I often turn mine on anyway which guilts some other individuals into following along.

121. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 3:14PM UTC

     That sounds like a you problem.

122. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 3:25PM UTC

     Well of course you can't see them if they're off camera. LOL But seriously, if you feel like you need to see someone's face for them to be paying attention, that's a control issue & complete lack of trust in your co-workers.

123. J BFebruary 6,2025 at 3:27PM UTC

     For me, there are other things much more important to lament about. I keep my camera on. I'm not keeping score if other's don't. I'm doing me, they can do them.

124. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 3:47PM UTC

     No one on my job turns their camera on. We there to exchange information not gaze into each others eyes. Only nosy people worry about that.

125. Dzseni NagyFebruary 6,2025 at 3:47PM UTC

     For the individuals that are neurodivergent and are also fortunate enough such as yourself to work from home having camera off is an absolute relief for these individuals. They’re able to focus they’re able to participate whether it be via chat or just by unmuting themselves. And my experience, the individuals that I work with who are on the spectrum actually do turn their camera on when it’s more of a one on one situation. Not that that would’ve mattered to begin with. My employees work from home and they are some of the most hard-working quality producing individuals. You know what I noticed? When they do have their camera on, they aren’t producing they aren’t focusing. They’re nervous and they’re uncomfortable. And I can assure you that these individuals get up every day and make themselves presentable. And this is not just for those that are on the spectrum. This applies to every employee that works from home that struggles with having a camera on. Not only is it not a normal way to even work. But it doesn’t mean squat. Get over it.

126. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 4:39PM UTC

     Thank you!

127. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 4:57PM UTC

     My boss gets distracted responding to IMs during meetings & he has his camera on. Same with the PD who sometimes has their camera on, sometimes not. They are multi-taskers, as am I. I'll admit to sometimes having to say, "sorry, I was distracted & missed the question." Nobody gets upset about it. Nobody thinks we're all slackers. Get over yourself.

128. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 5:46PM UTC

     Hey, you realize you haven’t given a single reason for why this is a problem? You’ve just expressed a desire to control those people and nothing else?

     Reflect on that.

129. AnonymousFebruary 6,2025 at 11:25PM UTC

     I WFH 100%. Unless it’s required of me to be on camera (such as dept meetings or 1x1s with a supervisor) I’m not on camera. It’s really none of your business why your colleagues aren’t on camera unless it’s a requirement of the job.

130. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 1:47AM UTC
     1. Having your camera on does not determine work ethic or quality of work.
     2. How does this affect you and your role besides offending your need for control of others?
     3. Some people like myself focus better without their camera on bc otherwise I’ll just keep looking at myself on the screen ??‍♀️
131. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 1:56AM UTC

     I have bandwidth issues in my area... so having a lot of cameras on causes issues for me.

     That and I really don't invite others into my private environment.

132. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

     I am the same!

133. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 1:52PM UTC

     Are you not aware you can change your background or blur it?

     You're slacking off! I hope one day you get the axe. Maybe then you'll be grateful for having a job.

134. AnonymousFebruary 8,2025 at 3:40PM UTC

     Wow. How violent of you.

     I can tell this is a "you problem" and not me. If you don't like work from home, then don't work from home. It really is that simple.

135. AnonymousFebruary 8,2025 at 10:54PM UTC

     ... and if you don't like having your camera on, which is a professional courtesy to do so, then you need to get the axe and learn a hard lesson. Rude people like you are what make the work environment toxic!

136. AnonymousFebruary 11,2025 at 11:53PM UTC

     Oh my, are you OK? So much anger in your posts. The tone is pretty consistent.

137. Aliza Bernstein (xWF)February 9,2025 at 8:31AM UTC

     I totally get the bandwidth issue. If you have laundry piled up on your sofa in the background (which I, and as I'm sure many of us do), you could always use one of the nice background effects.

138. AnonymousFebruary 14,2025 at 11:21AM UTC

     I'm just not into voyeurism.

139. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 1:48PM UTC

     I honestly don’t care if my coworkers have their cameras on or off. It’s none of my business why. Frankly, I don’t understand why you do care. Unless I’m told I have to turn it on, it’s off. Basically, stay in your lane.

140. AnonymousFebruary 8,2025 at 10:52PM UTC

     YOUR LANE:

     YOU work for an employer who pays you. If you want to keep getting paid, then step up and do as you're told!

141. AnonymousFebruary 11,2025 at 11:52PM UTC

     What in their response indicated they are not doing as they're told? I see nothing.

142. AnonymousFebruary 7,2025 at 1:50PM UTC

     You just gave another reason why more and more employers are mandating their employees RTO.

     The amount of WFH abuse I'm aware of is appalling!

     Adults, acting like children, taking advantage of their employers.

     It's as if all the layoffs, with many more to come, aren't teaching those fortunate enough to be employed to be grateful for their jobs. I guess more layoffs are needed so employees FINALLY stop complaining about their employer asking them to DO THEIR JOB and contribute to the company's success.

143. AnonymousFebruary 10,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

     I can absolutely acknowledge that there are people that take advantage of this - 100%! Those people should be addressed on a case by case basis by their immediate manager. If they aren't then it's a bigger issue than WFH as ALL employees suffer when there is dead weight, whether it be in office or WFH.

     Alternatively, it is possible to F off even when in office.. . . . so there's that too. The issue is with the individual not the environment in which they work.

144. Yvonne QuilesFebruary 7,2025 at 4:27PM UTC

     While I believe this may apply to many I can also state that those that work from home potentially work longer hours. Work ethic is what's at question here for me and when it become a concern performance evaluations should make the camera issues an item number. The variety of company's today have installed software to monitor all types of concerns.

145. Janet ParkhurstFebruary 8,2025 at 4:38AM UTC

     LOOKS DO MATTER! I am with the original poster, here. If you have a job, are being paid, and consider yourself a professional, then LOOK like one. I don't care if you are working from an executive suite, your kitchen table or even your car... Dress the part.

146. AnonymousFebruary 8,2025 at 3:51PM UTC

     Hi Janet Parkhurst!

     I hope your day is going well.

     I wanted to point out that you come across as angry, and I wanted to offer you a hug for what you are going through. You don't have to be this way, you are smart and pretty and well educated. I know it can feel like everyone is against you, and many probably are after this comment. But, I'm not. I want you to know that one day you will be amazing and great.

147. AnonymousFebruary 8,2025 at 6:18AM UTC

     Can you be any more judgy?

148. AnonymousFebruary 8,2025 at 3:45PM UTC

     I think it's an insecurity issue.

149. Aliza Bernstein (xWF)February 9,2025 at 8:28AM UTC

     I think the Covid years have made everyone a bit more casual... but not using your camera when you could just seems rude to me.

150. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 3:32AM UTC

     Yes this is something I see in my company on the regular for during our standard regular meetings. I personally don't care if my collegues have their camera on or not we are all adults and should be managing ourselves and responsibilities I would hope. Though at my company it is a requirement to have cameras on for all meetings unless due to any technology issues and it is shocking to me the amount of individuals who think it appropriate to face their camera towards their ceiling or camera turned off with no participation on mute for example. So where you even in the meeting?