Bdtyktl

I have started working on a project several months ago and suddenly our Product Owner is insisting on using webcams during our weekly virtual meetings. Both me and my colleague that do most of the work on this project currently do not use webcams at work and we prefer not to do this.

Not sure about my colleague's reasons, but personally, I prefer not to use webcams because whenever I can (i.e. not disturb anyone in the office) I stand and/or make several steps, things I cannot do if the webcam is working.

When being asked why we do not use webcams, we said that we do not feel like using them and most of the time the screen is used for sharing of some files and a JIRA board. After this, the PO (a female coworker in her 50s) told us they she would buy webcams for us to use.

AFAIK there is no policy related to webcams usage (some use them, others don't) and it is the first time in years when someone insists on using them.

I do not know how to approach this. The project is going well and we have a good professional relationship.

Some context information: we are located within an Eastern European branch, she is located in company's HG (Central Europe).

Question: How to convey the message that I prefer not use webcam during meetings, if not really necessary?

They probably can't "force" you to do it, but the question is: Do you really want to be that guy?

The addition of the webcam is to make things feel more like your in the office and in some cases people are more effective when they can interpret body language. I know myself, I have a hard time telling if someone understands what I am explain over the phone. This is because their body language usually tells me.

Do you really want to try and fight this? It seems like a small and reasonable request. When you say you stand and pace, would you do this in a formal in person meeting? If not, then I would advise you not do it in a virtual meeting.

If I was PO and there was no real reason, I would just think you are being difficult because you can be. Now maybe I am just a jerk, but if I thought you were being difficult just because can, it would probably change the way I interact with you.

My advice to you would be, if there's really no other reason than "I don't want to" just suck it up and do it. It's a job, it's not supposed to bend to your every whim.

Not sure about my colleague's reasons, but personally, I prefer not to use webcams because whenever I can (i.e. not disturb anyone in the office) I stand and/or make several steps, things I cannot do if the webcam is working.

I want to analyze this you wrote here. To me, that reads like: "I prefer not to use webcams so I can do other stuff while on meetings without everybody noticing it."

If you only have these meetings once a week you should be engaged and closely paying attention to them, not standing around or making other things... Otherwise you could be missing key points discussed and that will affect your performance and the project.

I am not the PO, but perhaps they want to increase such engagement and productivity of the meetings by having everybody on camera, so the experience is more visual and immersive.

Perhaps there is no "policy on webcams", but if the PO and the whole team dynamics depends on it's use it will be wise for you and your colleague to use them. It's only once a week, and for a portion of that day's time, so I think you would be better if you agree to use a camera and be more engaged in the meetings (who knows, perhaps you will finish earlier), instead of trying to push back such request.