Re:Ask HN: How to stop my manager asking enable camera in me...
by iamben on Monday June 21, 2021 @07:43AM
(#27578241)
IMO there's a massive difference between seeing someone's face and not. A phone call is very different to a video call (and both to meeting in 'real life').
If I had to address your points:
- I don't suppose they had a policy for 'global pandemic, everyone works from home' either. But actually seeing people does make a difference.
- That's fine, but I expect some people would like to see you, to know they have your attention and to make it feel more like they're in a room with you (when they can't be in real life).
- Yeah, my 2020 Mac and fan struggles as well. So be it. Close some apps.
- Does that matter? No one else has had a haircut either. In the same way 2 years ago very few people would dream of having a video call in their bedroom, times have changed. No one expects you to put on a suit, but have a shower and brush you hair and nobody will care.
It probably won't be forever, I'd just get on with it. I have a friend (who, to be fair rather likes it) is in a team that leaves the video on all day so it feels like they're in the office together. Just be thankful you're not working with them!
If I had to address your points:
- I don't suppose they had a policy for 'global pandemic, everyone works from home' either. But actually seeing people does make a difference.
- That's fine, but I expect some people would like to see you, to know they have your attention and to make it feel more like they're in a room with you (when they can't be in real life).
- Yeah, my 2020 Mac and fan struggles as well. So be it. Close some apps.
- Does that matter? No one else has had a haircut either. In the same way 2 years ago very few people would dream of having a video call in their bedroom, times have changed. No one expects you to put on a suit, but have a shower and brush you hair and nobody will care.
It probably won't be forever, I'd just get on with it. I have a friend (who, to be fair rather likes it) is in a team that leaves the video on all day so it feels like they're in the office together. Just be thankful you're not working with them!