For example is a bricklayer refused to use the cement provided to lay their bricks because they preferred a different type of cement (again not because it was unsafe but just preference) a company would be well within their rights to fire the employee for not doing the job.Ĭan they 'demand' it? Sure. I don't see how showing your webcam is illegal, unsafe, unethical or anything else that could violate local labour laws. That's what the company can do if you refuse to comply with their working conditions which are safe, legal, ethical. Surely showing your webcam is better than being fired right? There are millions of people who have just lost their job and all you are being asked to do is show the webcam on a conference call. I would remember that if you want to continue being employed by these people you should being doing the very best of your abilities to work under the conditions. Might also be that they feel it's easier to read your emotion and as such the conversation will be less likely to lead to confrontation if you know what I mean. It's probably as they feel it's friendlier to talk to a face than just to a static image. In terms of why are they insisting on you showing video. If all goes well you'll eventually be able to go back into the office and anyone can stare at your face in person when having a conversation with you.

The working from home part of your job is temporary, if for an extended period of time. For the moment being I would suggest that you try to put aside this discomfort rather than complaining about it. It sounds more like you are uncomfortable with being on video and I know a lot of people are in the same boat (probably others on the call are as well). In terms of them broadcasting you, I would suggest this is a private conference call that presumably isn't being recorded and sent to the world then you are not being 'broadcast'. Do you mean legally ? If so then I'm not sure on the law especially given that you are in the USA.

Live cam at work