HN: is it OK to always have Daily Meetings with camera tuned off?

Question

I never saw the face of my Leader, neither the face of my co-workers. Not even the CEO's face, who is always making a point on every DM. I think that this doesn't promote integration and teamwork, although the company expects that. Do you feel the same?

Osiris · Accepted Answer

We generally do our standups with the cameras off because we're screensharing the JIRA board, but every other meeting is highly encouraged to have your video turned on. This was a decision made back in March when we shifted to full remote.
Personally, I find it really good for maintaining a personal connection to co-workers when there is video.
(I should point out that all of management from the CEO down to the Engineering Managers all turn on their video so it sets the expectation. Also, it's startup, so we all know each other really well.)

ev1 · Answer

I am fine with this. Some people don't like it, I sure as hell don't want to have mine on.I don't care what someone is wearing for teamwork, just the quality of their code and how much effort maintaining it is.

gjvc · Answer

Yes it is fine. No I don't feel the same. You still have an open channel through which to make yourself heard and your points understood. If you think this is affecting your ability to progress check to see you're not making an excuse for it. (Easier said than done, and I have done so in the past.)