So I've joined a new department. It's based in the UK, but we work across geographies - Asia, parts of west Africa, and Europe.
We had a core team introduction video call on Tuesday. Everyone at the moment is working from home due to COVID-19.
For information, I'm relatively senior, but the incumbent manager was hosting the call. It was specifically labelled on Teams as "Video introduction with XXXXYY team" etc.
We go on the call, 15 people, and those from Asia and Africa and Europe? All had their video on, all very friendly and positive.
The Brits? I couldn't actually believe it, but aside from the manager who was excellent, not one person had their camera on. Just a black screen with their initials.
Now this is not the first time I've experienced this. At a previous department, it was the same sort of culture. Some folk especially from IT or HR were happy to have the camera on, but anyone from the project teams? Oh no, not us...never ever on.
I think that's fine if you're sharing slides, or you know the people, but this is team building in the time of COVID. Surely it's not unreasonable to expect that when the only tool for connecting is video, then someone could be bothered to quickly say "hello" and smile at folk to make them welcome?
It was also notable how the people with black screens/letters, barely spoke. The critical in me was thinking whether they come on the call, mute their mic, then wander around doing other tasks. Yes video calls can be too numerous and lengthy, but it's such a poor way to make a first impression.
AIBU here? I remember seeing a topic on this last year on here and being roundly told to "keep my nosey (sic) beak out of my house", as if I want to see into someone's furniture and upholstery choices!! Nope couldn't care less about your house, I just actually want to interact with my team!
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AIBU?
To think British people could bother to turn on video during introductions?
207 replies
GinDaddyRedux · 03/07/2020 12:15
OP posts:
Am I being unreasonable?
530 votes. Final results.
POLL
You are being unreasonable
66%
You are NOT being unreasonable
34%
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