Handbook update about keeping video on
It's more engaging to be on a video conference call when people have their video. Engagement is important at a remote-only company.
People turn their video off for a variety of reasons:
- They are working though the meeting
- They are eating
- They don't feel they are groomed appropriately for work
- They are away from camera
- Something is going on in the background (pets or kids)
We want to remind people that we focus on results over decorum, and to encourage them it's okay to keep their video on in most circumstances in any GitLab team video call.
- It's okay to not pay attention in meetings if you don't need to
- It's okay to eat (but turn your mic off)
- However you are groomed when you meet a family member or close friend is fine for GitLab internal meetings (including if you just got back from a run)
- Kids and pets are part of life and working from home
Extra points for video calls with customers or partners
- Results come first. Your appearance, location and background is less important than making customers successful so don't wait for the perfect time / place when you can engage a customer right away.
- Communicating that GitLab is an enterprise grade product and service provider is supported by the way you present yourself. Most of the time, if you would not wear something or present yourself in a certain way at a customer's office, candidate interview, or partner meeting in person then it's probably not the right choice on a video call with them either.
- Green screens are a great background solution. It's great to work in your garage or basement! Just get a green screen behind you and put up a professional background image to present well externally and still use the rest of the room how you want!
At the same time, they should not feel forced to keep their camera on if they truly feel uncomfortable. They should use their best judgement.
This issue is to track a handbook edit and contain any discussion, since I can't get to it right away.
CC @sytses @mmcb @twbarr @markpundsack @cteskey @bjung @pmachle CC @mfahey @cheriholmes @erica
Edited by Michael McBride