Camera-shy workers shun video calling

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Research by ICT communications solutions provider Damovo has revealed that over a third (39%) of workers are reluctant to use video communications for work because they are too worried about their appearance on camera. Furthermore, 10% said that they are too embarrassed to talk in front of a camera because it feels like public speaking.

For those happy to be on camera, their working location can be a concern with 19% of those surveyed saying that because they work from home or on the road they are aware that their surroundings may not be ideally suited for video.

Despite the reluctance to use video conferencing at work, the study found that this was not due to unfamiliarity with technology, as 88% of those surveyed had used video services such as Skype, Google Talk or MSN Messenger to talk with friends and family around the country or overseas.

The research also found that the face-to-face interaction of video conferencing has a significant impact on the relationships that develop between co-workers. 69% of those surveyed said that they feel that although online communication, like instant messaging and e-mail, has brought greater flexibility into the workplace, it has lessened working relationships with colleagues. Many of today’s online communication tools can cause workers to miss out on the advantages of face-to-face interaction, for example by not being able to understand peoples’ facial expressions.

Commenting on the findings, Damovo Ireland managing director Mary Bradshaw (pictured) said: “While this research was carried out in the UK, we also see a huge disconnect for Irish workers between using video communications for business or leisure purposes. With all of the snow and ice in Ireland over the past few weeks and more forecast, it would aid Irish private and public sector workers enormously to be able to communicate with colleagues and customers from home by video.

“Irish businesses need to re-examine their approach to communication and determine whether video conferencing or desktop video, can be added to the communications suite. Video can really help dispersed colleagues to work effectively together as a team and stay productive at all times, regardless of location and weather conditions.”

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