Keeping the camera on or off: What’s the right way to go about professional meetings?

The meeting hasn’t even started, and you are already overthinking. You log in on time, mute yourself instantly, and then it hits you. The camera. On? Off? You scan the screen. A few colleagues are already visible, well-lit, and oddly put together. Others are just black boxes with initials, calm and mysterious. Suddenly, this isn’t just a meeting. It is a moment of internal panic trying to figure out what exactly would be the correct workplace etiquette.

Welcome to one of the most confusing social rules of professional life right now. No one explains it, everyone notices it, and somehow your camera choice feels way more loaded than it should.

Why “camera on” still feels like the safe choice

Camera on has slowly become code for “I am present and paying attention.” Seeing faces helps conversations feel more natural, cuts down on interruptions, and builds familiarity, especially in remote or hybrid teams. For managers, it creates reassurance. For teammates, it adds a sense of connection. For you, it can mean being remembered without having to speak constantly.

But having said that, it can also feel exhausting. Being visually available all day turns work into a performance, and not everyone has the energy or environment for that. Showing up does not always have to be visual.

The idea that camera off equals disinterest in the said work is outdated. Sometimes it just means that you are dealing with weak internet, sitting in a shared space, wearing your three-year-old oversized t-shirt, or trying to avoid screen fatigue. Many people actually listen better when they are not thinking about posture, expressions, or how tired they look on screen.

Work culture is finally catching up to the fact that attention and visibility are not the same thing.

There is no universal answer, but context makes everything clearer. Smaller team meetings, client calls, or discussions where collaboration matters usually work better with cameras on. Large town halls, internal updates, or meetings where you are mostly listening are often fine with cameras off.

If your manager has set expectations, follow them. If your team has an unspoken rhythm, match it. When in doubt, turning your camera on at the start and switching it off later is a smooth middle ground that rarely feels awkward.

Gen Z isn’t rejecting cameras. They are rejecting the pressure of performance. The shift is towards flexibility over rigid norms. Being professional today is less about how you appear on screen (or appear in general) and more about how you contribute, communicate, and get the work done.

So the next time you hover over that camera button, remember this. There is no moral high ground here. Choose what helps you show up better. Because the real goal of a meeting is not to be seen, it is to be effective.

Lead image: Netflix

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