2021 Webcam Survey

Meeting on Camera During the Pandemic

Who is exhausted, who is engaged after almost a year of WFH.

This survey was originally published April 2021 • Read our follow-up 2023 Webcam Study here

Introduction

Over a year into COVID-19, “Zoom” has become synonymous with “meeting on camera.” Stories about “Zoom fatigue” abound, but what’s really causing it? Is it too many meetings a week, an introvert/extrovert issue, too many hours online, people working from home who would be better in an office, or too much time meeting on camera? Who is it impacting the most? Who is thriving and why?

In this cross-industry survey and analysis conducted in January and February 2021 of more than 1700 employees, managers and executives, we explore just how exhaustion from meeting on video is and the key factors driving it. In addition, we examine how company and management policies are impacting the situation.

Finally, we recommend solutions businesses can implement to improve things moving forward.

Given that up to 80% of businesses¹ report that they will move towards a fully remote or hybrid/flex model in the future. Understanding what creates effective and productive WFH and office-based employees, is going to be critical moving forward.

Finally, we recommend solutions businesses can implement to improve things moving forward.

Recommendations

Data, not assumptions, should be driving remote work policies, especially with remote work, because doing it and managing it is still new for the majority of the workforce. Within the survey responses, the comments indicated that for many people, being on webcam increases distraction, makes it difficult to focus or concentrate due to the sensory overload or viewing people on screen, and many reported feeling self-conscious having themselves or their home spaces viewed by others.

Video is best used to connect employees in small groups, one-on-one meetings or for the first 2-3 minutes of larger meetings for everyone to say hello. Even in this context, many people are still uncomfortable with being on video, and managers and HR should work with them to determine the root cause and adjust their work situation where possible. Being on camera should be up to the employee.
Beyond the presenter or the leader of the call, there is no indication that large meetings, with a screen of talking heads has any advantage over audio and may increase distraction and participant anxiety.
Recognize that peer pressure is a key driver of camera use, especially in younger workers, even where it is not required by management or the organization. Training and communications need to be introduced to make staying off-camera.

Meetings are not a substitute for informal office chats or a “water cooler.” Businesses need to introduce and train managers and employees on the use of collaboration workspaces so they can do informal updates synchronously and

Packing extra people into a call when they don’t need to be there sucks time and productivity. Invest in good meeting notes with a meeting recording so they can quickly update themselves on what they need to know and have more uninterrupted work time.

“If I could, I would never turn on my webcam. I am typically far more productive when it’s voice & screen sharing only.”

(Age 35 to 44, Male, $150k+, Introvert)

The Survey

Virtira surveyed over 2,500 executives, managers, and employees in various WFH, commuting, and flex work styles between January 21st and February 8th, 2021. We also tested for introversion/extroversion to understand if this is a factor. Respondents were from public and private companies across all ages and incomes through two third-party independent online platforms. Follow-up surveys were sent to over 500 respondents to further clarify some responses.

The overall margin of error of ±2.37% at a 95% confidence level is based on 1710 net responses.

Inform your remote work policies with
The Webcam Survey.

Productivity suffers when we exhaust our employees. In the new normal, are we setting remote teams up for success with the constant on-camera meetings or failure by fatigue?

Inform your remote work policies with
The Webcam Survey.

Productivity suffers when we exhaust our employees. In the new normal, are we setting remote teams up for success with the constant on-camera meetings or failure by fatigue?

About Us

Our Partners

Careers

Case Studies

The Power of Remote

2023 Webcam Study

The Project OneSheet

Blog

2021 Webcam Survey

Meeting on Camera During the Pandemic

Introduction

Recommendations

The Survey

Inform your remote work policies with
The Webcam Survey.

Inform your remote work policies with
The Webcam Survey.

2021 Webcam Survey

Meeting on Camera During the Pandemic

Introduction

Recommendations

The Survey

Inform your remote work policies withThe Webcam Survey.

Inform your remote work policies withThe Webcam Survey.

Inform your remote work policies with
The Webcam Survey.

Inform your remote work policies with
The Webcam Survey.