More than a third (39 percent) of office staff won't use video communications at work because they're concerned about their appearance on camera, says Damovo.
Research by the IT services firm revealed one in ten are too embarrassed to talk in front of a camera because it feels like public speaking, while of those happy to use video communications, 19 percent say their working location (either at home or on the road) isn't suitable for video.
However, nearly two thirds (63 percent) of office workers believe they are more likely to take action following a conversation in a videoconference than after receiving an email containing the same instructions or information.
"There is still a perception that any video, be it multi-party conferencing or one to one, at work has to take place in a special room with technical equipment," said Alex Donnelly, portfolio manager at Damovo UK.
"However, video conferencing is now possible from a worker's desk or home as long as they have a camera with a built-in microphone and a broadband connection. Video is no longer as expensive as it once was, and should ideally be used as an extension to their existing communications suite."
Donnelly added that more organisations need to encourage their workers to use video conferencing and treat it in the same way as "picking up the phone or walking over to someone's desk for a chat".
However, 88 percent admitted they've used video services such as Skype to talk with friends at home.
The research also revealed 69 percent said online communication mean they miss out on the advantages of face-to-face interaction, such as being able to understand people's facial expressions.
Comments
MDR said: Today face to face or in office conferencing is realistic but to be in front of a cameraforget it What will they think is my hair a mess does it show the grey These things you dont think of in office conferencing We do video conferencing every day and after a while you dont think of these things it is just every day stuff In time everyone will get used to doing video conferencing and soon realize how great it isno traveling no more hotels eating out alone and now I can work from home and still attend the meetings It is the future
Mr. Ed said: Like you Bill
Mike said: People become more aware and scared of others opionions of themselves Most adults dont like their pictures taken either as they have a mental picture of themselves that they beleive outweigh those of others We need to reinforce more character values instead of the prevailant personality values that are imposed in todays society This would have residual benefits throughout the organization
Russell said: The underlying assumption here is that not wanting to be videotaped is wrong or abnormal In fact being wary of videotaped and audio-recorded sessions is not unreasonable Anyone who says they have NOT attended meetings where recording would stifle frank discussion is either lying or not being invited to such meetings Just worth considering
Bill said: Worried about their appearance Sounds like an excellent test to weed out the worthless