For remote workers, the issue of cameras on or off keeps coming up. There’s no question that having cameras on allows for much richer interactions. We can start to interpret body language and can pick up on so many subtle hints that just aren’t possible when the cameras are off.
It also allows to bond as a group far more easily.
Having said that, there are many legitimate reasons why someone might not be able to turn their cameras on and because of that, I never mandate it. I will certainly encourage cameras to be on, but if people chose to leave them off, I have to respect their decision.
Do I think that people abuse that and leave their cameras off even when there is no valid reason to do so? Absolutely yes. But I will not penalize and/or single-out the few who have legitimate reasons.
All I can do is encourage cameras on and point out the benefits when that happens.