Lydia’s Take on Zoom Etiquette: Video On or Off

By Lydia Shin Schroter, NEMIC Co-Founder

Zoom meeting etiquette–in particular, whether to keep video on or off–has become not only a hot topic with the advent of remote work but also an ever-relevant daily phenomenon for professionals working in the digital era. While numerous articles offer a mixture of opinions, advice, and guidelines on this subject, I'd like to share my personal viewpoints on the matter.

In the wake of the pandemic, Zoom meetings have become an integral part of everyday business activities. However, it's surprising how some people seem to forego the basic principles of effective communication and the fundamental requisites of conducting meetings, such as showing up and making eye contact. In the digital age, participating in a Zoom meeting is a facsimile for conducting an in-person meeting, and as such, participating with your video on is akin to making proper eye contact with other participants in that meeting. It's a simple yet crucial aspect of effective communication and engagement–and one that has seemingly fallen out of favor.

I'll admit, there are times when I feel tempted to keep my video off, especially if I haven't had the chance to spruce up my appearance (or if I'm having a particularly rough hair day!). Additionally, there are moments when I prefer to remain a passive participant during a scheduled meeting or multitask behind the scenes. However, regardless of the reason, attending a meeting with your video off can send the wrong message—it may be perceived as disrespectful or perhaps be improperly interpreted as a lack of confidence. And for these risks alone, it is important that we all make a concerted effort not only to resist the temptation to switch our cameras off but, conversely, the concerted effort to actively promote a “cameras-on” culture that fosters a collaborative, engaging meeting.

It's important to remember that when we accept a Zoom meeting invitation, we are committing to being an active participant in the discussion. Turning on our video signals our willingness to engage fully and contribute to the meeting's objectives. While it's understandable that there may be occasional reasons for keeping the video off, making it a habit undermines the collaborative nature of virtual meetings.

Ultimately, maintaining a video presence during Zoom meetings enables better communication, enhances engagement, and strengthens the sense of connection among participants. So, the next time you contemplate whether to turn your video on or off, remember the importance of active participation and its impact on the overall meeting experience. Let's make a conscious effort to keep our videos on and contribute meaningfully to the discussions at hand.