What are your go-to reasons for keeping your camera off during virtual meetings? I could use some ideas! While I’m totally comfortable on camera in the office, working from home sometimes means I’m not exactly work-ready—think sweatshirts and super casual looks. How do you all handle it?

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I think you can get away with looking casual when WFH. My favorite way to do it is monochromatic looks, usually black. Stay away from hoodies but 1/4 zips and zip ups are my go to in the winter. Also love a vest from time to time. I know a lot of my coworkers do it as well.

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True, it’s not that hard or time-consuming. It’s really just the lazy side of me talking

I make sure to be presentable at least from the waist up when it’s a call I should have my camera on. But if it’s not necessary, I’ll usually opt out. Also utilize virtual backgrounds! They’re great when you’re not trying to show your super messy home office or you have other distractions (pets, kids) in the background.

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That’s so true! I do the same thing, being presentable from the waist up, but wearing pajama pants or comfy clothes the whole time. I also love using virtual backgrounds or blurring my backdrop to keep things looking polished, as most of the times my actual surroundings are less than ideal.

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I think the best excuse is technical, I've known people to explain it away by saying they were in a place with a very spotty connection and they couldn't get their camera to work. That seems to make sense, but if your location is known to be your office or home it may not be plausible. I also recall someone saying they didn't want their camera on as they had a terrible cold and didn't want to be on camera blowing their nose 20 times. I guess that one works, nobody else wants to look at that.

Thanks for the ideas! The technical one is a great excuse—not just for avoiding the camera. I once had a coworker skip an early morning call because none of her devices worked for dialing in, yet she was able to join a call with me just an hour later.

I just don’t turn it on, unless it’s a 1-1 or a skip level with a senior. I don’t give an excuse, it’s just off.

That’s a solid approach, simple and effective!

I feel cameras are important for better engagement. Mine is always on with a blurred background.

Yes, I definitely have coworkers who turn on their cameras in every call. But for some colleagues I've worked with for years and have regular meetings with, I struggle to see much need for it.

Just saw this posted over on LI: "I'm going to turn off my camera now, it helps me listen."

Does turning on the camera really help with listening? I feel the opposite thought. It can be distracting for me, as I might focus on other things (like someone’s hair, background, etc.), which can take away from active listening.

I always have mine on and don’t mind looking casual. If it’s a more important meeting and I’m v casual, I’ll just take my hoodie off and wear a plain black t shirt.

That’s a good balance, comfortable yet presentable!

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