Camera off on video calls: is my new manager right to insist?
Editors' DilemmaOctober 28, 2026· Be the first to vote
A story made up by our editors to get the debate going, not a real account.
My side
I work from home three days a week, from a corner of my kitchen. On video calls, I keep my camera off almost all the time. I talk, I participate, I share my screen, but I don’t show my face. I don’t like watching myself in a little square for an hour, and behind me there’s the dish rack and laundry drying. My new manager asked the whole team to turn cameras on “to build connection.” She nudged me twice in meetings, nicely, but in front of everyone. I’m efficient, I always have been. I don’t see why my face should be a requirement for doing good work.
Their side
For her part, my manager explains that she just started and doesn’t know the team yet. Talking to a gray circle makes it hard to tell if instructions are landing or if someone has checked out. She isn’t asking for cameras all day, only during team meetings, and she points out that you can blur your background in one click.
So, who's wrong?
One vote per person. Results show up after you vote.