23 Oct Cameras On: Remote Meetings Best Practices
I’ve worked remotely for 15 years, and have kept the same basic schedule:
- Up at 5 or 6AM. Coffee. This is my favorite time of day because it’s quiet.
- Catch up on the latest tech news, or work on a side project for a couple of hours. I actually started writing this blog post at 5:30 AM.
- About 8 I get in the shower, shave, and basically keep the same daily grooming habits.
- Back in my office by 8:45, get set up, open all my apps and tools, and ease into the workday at 9AM.
- From 9AM-5PM I’m at work. Doesn’t matter if I’m in my home office or at a coffee shop, mentally I’m at work like when Al Bundy went on vacation from the couch (NSFW).
I keep the same “going to work” schedule because I know how easy it is to let things slide…to skip that shower or shave because who cares? No one is going to see me. It’s very easy to slowly merge your being at home habits with work habits and start expecting work to be the same as home. That’s just not going to cut it.
The debate over camera usage during remote meetings continues to evolve. As someone deeply experienced in remote work culture, I’ll share why embracing video presence is crucial for professional success.
1. The Foundation of Remote Work is Professionalism
Since most of the world was forced to discover remote work 4 years ago, there’s been a constant debate about being on camera for meetings. Many of the newly remote feel that remote means standards should be relaxed, and cameras shouldn’t be necessary because they’re at home. Nothing is further from the truth. The “work” part takes precedence here. You’re not at home. You’re at work. It’s still a job that you get paid for not an inconvenience to your afternoon errands.
Remote work isn’t merely perk—it’s a responsibility. A professional commitment that demands the same level of engagement as in-office work When you accept a remote position, you’re promising to maintain equivalent standards of communication, collaboration, and productivity. This includes being camera-ready for meetings, just as you would be present and visible in an office setting.
2. Creating Meaningful Team Connections
The Human Element
Visual connection through video calls helps combat isolation and strengthens team bonds. While some may feel comfortable with voice-only communication, seeing colleagues’ faces creates a more engaging and inclusive environment for everyone on the team.
Remote work isn’t great for everyone. People don’t just instinctively adjust. Many express feeling isolated, disconnected from coworkers, trouble getting to know people and worse.
Breaking Down Digital Barriers
Video meetings offer unique opportunities to connect with team members worldwide, allowing glimpses into different cultures and working environments. This personal touch transforms anonymous email addresses into real people with distinct personalities and working styles.
3. Professional Presence and Productivity
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Work life balance is your responsibility, not the employers. It starts with working for the right company. Once you’ve secured that great remote position, a structured approach to remote work helps maintain professionalism:
- Start your day early with personal time
- Maintain regular grooming habits
- Create a dedicated workspace
- Establish clear work hours (e.g., 9AM-5PM)
Meeting Effectiveness
When everyone enables their camera, meetings become more productive and engaging than traditional conference calls. Visual cues enhance communication, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more collaborative environment.
4. Addressing Management Concerns
Every remote conversation I see is about “me, me, me”. How the world needs to move for us. We rarely have a conversation about how to address the concerns of organizations who are hesitant or just pull the plug altogether. Admittedly there’s another conversation to be had about the real reasons for RTO from the top 1% of CEOs, but we can’t ignore the concerns of the other 99% of businesses.
Building Trust
Organizations transitioning to remote work often worry about maintaining productivity and accountability By consistently showing up on camera, prepared and professional, we demonstrate our commitment and reliability.
Quality Communication
Video presence helps address common management concerns about remote work effectiveness. It shows that remote teams can maintain high standards of communication and collaboration, often exceeding traditional office interactions.
Some organizations also have trust issues. They feel that when they can’t see people that they’re being taken advantage off. That grown ups are more accountable when they’re forced to be present and sit in a certain chair. I obviously disagree, but also recognize that organizations didn’t hire remote workers, they hired office workersto be in the environment that they controlled. A remote or hybrid work model means upending 100 years of that and learning how to solve all the management, logistics, communication, security, and cultural changes that come with it.
For companies who are on the fence we know what they want. They want the future that they’ve been sold all these years by companies like Dell, Apple, and Microsoft of a world of limitless communication, collaboration and productivity from anywhere. A world where everyone is centered on their web cams and fully engaged in the meetings. They want to have the confidence that this is the experience they will get. And to be honest, it’s not that hard to give it to them and still be wearing your pajama bottoms, and fluffy slippers while sipping on your favorite herbal tea.
If we want a faster adoption of remote work we have a responsibility to actually be good at it. The OGs have a responsibility to help our colleagues step up their game to the level of professionalism required. We need to make remote work look so good that organizations will be clamoring to take part in it’s success.
We can rebuild work. We have the technology. We can make work better than it was before. Better, stronger, faster. (credit: 6 Million Dollar Man)
Tips for Camera Confidence
By now you’re probably thinking: “This guy must be ruggedly handsome, that’s why he’s so comfortable on camera”. Nope. I’m just as self conscious as everyone else. However, I have presented this face to the world my entire life and it’s been fine. What tools like Zoom have forced us to do is to stare at our own face. Something we’re not used to doing all day. Consequently when you first start going on camera it can be uncomfortable to constantly look at yourself.
It does get easier with time, and there are many things you can do with what you have to make yourself look great on camera with little effort, which boosts your confidence being on camera. (Beware it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole and really get into lighting, cameras, and sound.)
Technical Setup
- Position your camera at eye level
- Ensure proper lighting faces you
- Use a clean, professional background
- Test your audio quality regularly
Personal Preparation
Remember that looking professional on camera doesn’t require perfection. Simple preparations like maintaining good posture and dressing appropriately can significantly boost your confidence.
For more tips on gear, and looking better on camera, check out – How to use technology to stand out in a competitive remote job market
Conclusion
Embracing camera-on meetings isn’t just about following protocol—it’s about contributing to a more connected, productive, and professional remote work culture. By taking responsibility for our virtual presence, we help shape the future of work while maintaining strong professional relationships and team dynamics.
Start small by enabling your camera in your next team meeting. Notice how it changes the dynamic and your level of engagement. Your example might inspire others to do the same, creating a more connected remote workplace for everyone.
