Do We Really Need Cameras On for Every Meeting? Let’s Talk About It.

We’ve all been there: most faces are on screen, eyes engaged… and then one grey circle with initials just hanging out in the corner. And like me, you're probably tempted to say, “Camera on?” because seeing someone’s face feels like accountability, right?

But before we start mandating video in every meeting, let’s talk about what the research - and Canadian privacy rules - actually say.

Yes, cameras help, but only when they add value.

Recent research from Stanford and other institutions shows something interesting:

✅ Cameras help build trust and reduce miscommunication, especially in smaller, collaborative meetings.

✅ People feel more connected and engaged when it’s purposeful.

❌ All-day camera use = fatigue, stress, and lower concentration.

So, where’s the sweet spot?

Use video when it helps the conversation, not just because it “seems professional.”

How about Zoom Fatigue? We all know it’s real.

Video calls demand more from our brains: constant eye contact, watching ourselves on screen, and feeling “on” the whole time. That drains energy fast. Women, newer employees, and remote-first workers feel it even more.

Bottom line: the red camera light shouldn’t feel like a performance spotlight.

Here in Canada, we also need to think about privacy laws. Employers can only collect personal information (yes, that includes your face on video) when it’s necessary and reasonable. This means that “cameras on always” isn’t just tiring, it may not be compliant.

How about recordings? That adds a second layer of rules.

If you record meetings, you must tell people, explain why, and limit how long you keep the files.

So, what’s the best approach?

Instead of blanket rules, try this:

·      Use cameras intentionally (onboarding, feedback, client calls, collaborative work)

·      Give people choice when cameras don’t add value

·      Protect against fatigue - shorter meetings, breaks, and hide self-view

·      Focus on participation, not faces

·      Respect privacy rules, especially around recording. This isn’t about being lax. It’s about being human-centered and compliant.

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

Ask for cameras when it supports connection or clarity - not as a control tool.

A gentle ask like: “This discussion is collaborative - can we do cameras for this one?”Will always land better than: “Cameras on.”

Trust people to show up like adults - and they will.

We all know that hybrid work isn’t going anywhere, and neither are video calls. The goal is not perfect visibility - it’s meaningful interaction.

How about we measure engagement by contribution and outcomes, not by how many video boxes are lit up?

Because at the end of the day, results matter more than rectangles.

Need help updating your remote/hybrid work policy?

Happy to support you.