{"id":25193,"date":"2023-09-13T09:41:48","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T13:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/?p=25193"},"modified":"2023-11-14T11:46:07","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T16:46:07","slug":"camera-on-or-camera-off-the-psychology-of-virtual-meeting-fatigue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/camera-on-or-camera-off-the-psychology-of-virtual-meeting-fatigue\/","title":{"rendered":"Camera-On vs. Camera-Off? The Psychology Of Virtual Meeting Fatigue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Enforcing \u201ccamera-on\u201d policies was once believed to enhance remote interactions by fostering visual connection, capturing non-verbal cues, and encouraging active participation. However, the <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/fulltext\/2021-77825-003.html#articleAbstract_nbcebe9dbfcb96854\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Psychological Association\u2019s (APA) <\/a>recent findings uncover a contrasting reality: camera usage can introduce additional hurdles, amplifying fatigue and diminishing employee engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article unpacks the study\u2019s findings, explores the psychology of self-presentation and camera fatigue, and offers practical recommendations for an inclusive and effective virtual meeting culture.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid rgb(0 0 0 \/ 0.1); padding: 25px 25px 10px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px -1px rgb(0 0 0 \/ 0.1), 0 2px 4px -2px rgb(0 0 0 \/ 0.1);\">\n<h3 id=\"h-pressed-for-time-here-s-a-quick-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading nitoc\">Pressed for time? Here\u2019s a quick summary\u2026<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\">Camera usage &amp; employee fatigue: <\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW211536436 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\">For some employees, <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW211536436 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW211536436 BCX0\">b<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW211536436 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW211536436 BCX0\">e<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211536436 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW211536436 BCX0\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW211536436 BCX0\">ng on-camera heightens fatigue a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW211536436 BCX0\">nd hinders engagement among <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW211536436 BCX0\">employees.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\">Self-presentation dynamics:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\">Employees who feel<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\"> socially vulnerable often place a heightened emphasis on how they present themselves.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\"> This can be particularly acute with new hires <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74601651 BCX0\">and women in the workplace.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">Leadership\u2019s role i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW41728548 BCX0\">n<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\"> shaping virtual meeting culture:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">Leadership <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">must set <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">exampl<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">e for flexible camera policies<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">, thereby <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">breaking the stigm<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41728548 BCX0\">a associated with being camera-off during meetings.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">Best practices<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">: <\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">Organizations should shift towards <\/span><\/span><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">allowing cameras to be off <\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">rather than <\/span><\/span><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">encouraging them to be on<\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\">.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\"> They should also prioritize <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW215272448 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">incorporating communication <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">channels<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\"> into meetings<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">, such as chat features, and address digital fatigue<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">through<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextDeletionMarker TrackedChange SCXW215272448 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun TrackChangeTextDeletion CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">strategies<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW215272448 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\"> such as the 20-20-20 rule<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW215272448 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW215272448 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unpacking-the-apa-study-methodology-main-findings\">Unpacking The APA Study: Methodology &amp; Main Findings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The APA study aimed to explore the effects of camera usage in virtual meetings, particularly its influence on employee energy levels and engagement, while considering moderating variables such as gender and organizational tenure.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4911324-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camera usage in virtual meetings\" class=\"wp-image-25208\" style=\"width:405px;height:270px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4911324-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4911324-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4911324-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4911324-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4911324-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-methodology-participants-procedure\">Methodology: Participants &amp; Procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers conducted a 4-week experiment with remote workers from health care company BroadPath. Employees were randomly assigned to two groups \u2013 one kept their cameras on during virtual meetings for the first two weeks and turned them off for the next two, while the other group did the opposite. Daily surveys were conducted with 103 employees to capture their experiences regarding fatigue, voice, and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-apa-study-s-main-findings\">APA Study&#8217;s Main Findings<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Study-Findings.png\" alt=\"Study Findings\" class=\"wp-image-25226\" style=\"width:200px;height:240px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Study-Findings.png 400w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Study-Findings-249x300.png 249w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\">\n<li><strong>The Toll Of Camera Usage<\/strong>: Being on camera during virtual meetings was found to be fatiguing for the majority of employees. This went beyond the time spent or the number of meetings; fatigue was directly correlated to the act of being on camera.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>From Fatigue To Disengagement:<\/strong> Fatigue dampened <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/employee-engagement-statistics-you-should-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee engagement<\/a> and willingness to voice ideas during meetings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gender &amp; Tenure Dynamics:<\/strong> Fatigue was heightened among individuals in historically vulnerable<s> <\/s>workplace positions, particularly women and new employees.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-psychology-of-being-on-camera-self-presentation-fatigue\">The Psychology Of Being On Camera: Self-Presentation &amp; Fatigue<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Tired-woman-sitting-at-table-on-work-flat-vector-illustration-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The Psychology Of Being On Camera: Self-Presentation &amp; Fatigue\" class=\"wp-image-25210\" style=\"width:480px;height:320px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Tired-woman-sitting-at-table-on-work-flat-vector-illustration-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Tired-woman-sitting-at-table-on-work-flat-vector-illustration-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Tired-woman-sitting-at-table-on-work-flat-vector-illustration-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Tired-woman-sitting-at-table-on-work-flat-vector-illustration-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Tired-woman-sitting-at-table-on-work-flat-vector-illustration-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Self-presentation refers to how individuals project and manage their image to others. <\/strong>These dynamics are pronounced when, for instance, one dresses up for a job interview or puts on a friendly face for a party\u2014and notably, when they\u2019re in the spotlight on-camera, as examined in this study.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The influence of self-presentation varies based on attributes such as gender and organizational tenure. These attributes play a pivotal role in understanding why women and new employees experience heightened levels of fatigue when using cameras during virtual meetings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Women:<\/strong> Self-presentation in virtual meetings can be particularly demanding for women, who face the pressure of demonstrating professional competence while fulfilling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/pandemics-regressive-effect-on-gender-equality-workplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">societal appearance standards<\/a>. When the camera becomes a part of the equation, these expectations intensify, contributing to heightened levels of fatigue.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>New Employees:<\/strong> New employees experienced higher levels of fatigue than their more tenured counterparts, likely due to their desire to establish a strong professional reputation. When new employees enable their cameras during virtual meetings, the demand to present themselves effectively becomes increasingly pronounced.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-setting-the-tone-leadership-policy\">Setting The Tone: Leadership &amp; Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders have the power to set the tone and establish organizational norms for remote work. Their approach to virtual meetings can significantly impact employee engagement, well-being, and the effectiveness of these interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1303\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/456099-PFJUKJ-361-e1694600329356.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25212\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:478px;height:329px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/456099-PFJUKJ-361-e1694600329356.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/456099-PFJUKJ-361-e1694600329356-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/456099-PFJUKJ-361-e1694600329356-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/456099-PFJUKJ-361-e1694600329356-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/456099-PFJUKJ-361-e1694600329356-1536x1001.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-case-study-wellable-s-innovative-camera-policy\">Case Study: Wellable&#8217;s Innovative Camera Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the realm of progressive leadership, Wellable&#8217;s CEO, Nick Patel, has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by occasionally going camera-off during one-on-one meetings. This decision is not merely about personal preference but reflects a deeper understanding of the need for balance in the virtual work environment. Patel&#8217;s initiative to give his eyes a break and engage in walking meetings sets a positive precedent for prioritizing employee well-being in the virtual workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, understanding the nuances of different meeting setups, Nick chooses to turn his camera on during larger virtual meeting settings. This includes our biweekly \u2018All Hands\u2019 call, where all Wellable team members come together virtually. In such settings, the visual presence aids in fostering a sense of unity and connection among the broader team, striking a balance between personal well-being and collective engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong><em>Staring at a computer all day is tough, so I need to schedule breaks. I often choose to go off camera during one-on-one meetings because I find visual cues are more important in group conversations. Besides, we\u2019ve all gotten used to individual conversations without video. When I can swing it, I try to take advantage of the screen-free time by stretching and walking during the meeting.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<cite><strong><em>Nick Patel, CEO of Wellable<\/em><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-breaking-the-stigma-around-being-camera-off\">Breaking The Stigma Around Being Camera-Off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The rapid adoption of virtual meeting tools in recent years has led to an expectation that being on camera demonstrates engagement and participation. Consequently, this perception has fueled a stigma surrounding those who choose not to appear on camera, particularly in larger group meetings. This can create pressure on employees to always appear camera-ready, contributing to fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees should feel comfortable choosing whether to turn their cameras on or off based on their individual needs, rather than feeling obligated to keep them on to meet perceived expectations. By removing this stigma, organizations can create a more humane and productive virtual work environment where employees are empowered to prioritize both well-being and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-recommendations-for-a-more-inclusive-virtual-meeting-culture\">Practical Recommendations For A More Inclusive Virtual Meeting Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2696452-1024x615.jpg\" alt=\"Inclusive Virtual Meeting Culture\" class=\"wp-image-25211\" style=\"width:524px;height:315px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2696452-1024x615.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2696452-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2696452-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2696452-1536x923.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2696452-2048x1230.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As organizations continue to embrace remote work, they must adapt and refine virtual meeting protocols to create a more sustainable meeting culture. Protocols should be rooted in three principles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Employee Autonomy:<\/strong> Organizations should shift towards allowing cameras to be off rather than encouraging them to be on, especially in meetings where visual presence is not essential. This demonstrates trust in employees&#8217; judgment to participate in meetings effectively while prioritizing well-being. As leaders set this example, employees will feel more comfortable embracing autonomy over their preferences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inclusivity: <\/strong>Organizations must ensure that all employees, regardless of location or individual circumstances, can fully participate in meetings. This includes providing accommodations for those with varying accessibility needs, time zones, or technological constraints. By addressing diverse needs, organizations create a virtual meeting environment where every voice is valued and heard, promoting a culture of belonging and collaboration.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Productivity: <\/strong>Recognize that certain situations benefit from having cameras on. Organizations should encourage the use of cameras when it contributes to clearer communication, helps convey body language, and minimizes distractions such as multitasking. Balancing autonomy with productivity considerations ensures that meetings are efficient and effective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-practices-guide-for-modern-virtual-meetings\">Best Practices Guide For Modern Virtual Meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It has become increasingly apparent that well-intentioned &#8220;camera on&#8221; mandates may inadvertently cause harm. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/practical-steps-for-supporting-women-in-the-workplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">women, who have been historically disadvantaged at work<\/a>, and newer employees, who often seek social cues to gauge their fit within an organization, highlights the urgency of maximizing flexibility. The following best practices offer a blueprint for organizations to balance productivity and employee well-being in the realm of virtual meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Virtual-Meeting-Practices-Infographic-800-\u00d7-1500-px-800-\u00d7-1100-px-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Virtual-Meeting-Practices-Infographic-800-\u00d7-1500-px-800-\u00d7-1100-px-1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Virtual-Meeting-Practices-Infographic-800-\u00d7-1500-px-800-\u00d7-1100-px-1-218x300.png 218w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Virtual-Meeting-Practices-Infographic-800-\u00d7-1500-px-800-\u00d7-1100-px-1-745x1024.png 745w, https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Virtual-Meeting-Practices-Infographic-800-\u00d7-1500-px-800-\u00d7-1100-px-1-768x1056.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-set-clear-expectations\">1. Set Clear Expectations&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Establish clear guidelines for when camera usage is necessary and when it&#8217;s discretionary. This transparency helps employees feel more comfortable making choices that align with their preferences and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border-radius: 15px; background-color: #fce8d6; color: #1b1d35; padding: 20px;\"><strong>Example Policy:<\/strong> Camera usage in virtual meetings is optional, except for meetings when a participant is delivering a presentation, training session, or demonstration that relies heavily on visual cues, body language, or visual aids.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-regular-breaks\">2. Regular Breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporate regular breaks into virtual meetings, especially for longer sessions. These breaks allow participants to rest their eyes, stretch, and recharge, reducing the risk of meeting fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border-radius: 15px; background-color: #fce8d6; color: #1b1d35; padding: 20px;\"><strong>Example Policy:<\/strong> Virtual meetings scheduled to last longer than 60 minutes will include a 5-minute break for every 30 minutes of the meeting&#8217;s duration.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-active-engagement\">3. Active Engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporate measures that promote active engagement to ensure participants remain involved and contribute to the meeting&#8217;s objectives, even if their cameras are off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border-radius: 15px; background-color: #fce8d6; color: #1b1d35; padding: 20px;\"><strong>Example Policy:<\/strong> All virtual meetings should include interactive elements such as chat features, raised hand functions, or interactive activities to encourage active participation.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-manage-screen-time\">4. Manage Screen Time&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Acknowledge the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/survey-employees-have-physical-ailments-from-online-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">challenges of prolonged screen time in virtual meetings<\/a>. Suggest strategies for minimizing digital fatigue, such as adjusting screen brightness, using blue light filters, and taking short screen breaks between meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border-radius: 15px; background-color: #fce8d6; color: #1b1d35; padding: 20px;\"><strong>Example Policy:<\/strong> Employees are advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-balance-professionalism-well-being\">5. Balance Professionalism &amp; Well-Being&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Emphasize the importance of balancing professionalism and well-being during virtual meetings. Internal team meetings provide an opportunity for employees to prioritize their well-being by adjusting camera usage according to their comfort, whereas client-facing interactions carry greater importance in maintaining a professional image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border-radius: 15px; background-color: #fce8d6; color: #1b1d35; padding: 20px;\"><strong>Example Policy:<\/strong> For client-facing sales presentations, team members are required to have their cameras on throughout the meeting to maintain a high level of professionalism and establish a personal connection with prospective customers.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By implementing these recommendations, organizations can create a more inclusive, accommodating, and sustainable virtual meeting culture. These steps will not only enhance employee well-being but also contribute to more engagement in virtual interactions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Camera usage can increase fatigue and decrease engagement, especially for women and new employees according to recent APA research.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25207,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.6 (Yoast SEO v22.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Camera-On vs. Camera-Off? 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