Awkward video call moments: From pyjamas to mute mishaps

Nearly half of Singaporeans surveyed have worn pyjamas or only dressed from the waist up on professional video calls.

Over the past five years, remote and hybrid work have become a staple, shifting in-office meetings to video calls. This is often accompanied by a fair share of awkward moments.

A recent survey by Preply, involving 1,000 Singaporeans, reveals how employees navigate these virtual interactions, from wardrobe choices to camera-shy moments.

Dressing down for work calls

Gone are the days of formal office wear. According to Preply’s findings, 43% of Singaporeans admitted to wearing pyjamas or only dressing from the waist up during professional video calls. While 48% say they’ve never done this, an honest 9% admit they haven’t but would if given the chance.

When it comes to age groups, Gen Z (aged 13 to 28) is the most relaxed about dressing down, with 57% confessing to wearing casual attire on work calls. Millennials (aged 29 to 44) follow closely behind at 47%. Interestingly, workers aged 25 to 34 are said to be the most fashion-conscious when it comes to their attire. Nearly a quarter (24%) admitted that the most common reason for turning their camera off during a video call was because of inappropriate dress.

In contrast, Gen X (aged 45 to 60) remains the most professional, with 70% saying they’ve never dressed down for a virtual meeting.

Mute button blunder and unexpected disruptions

Awkward moments during video calls are all too familiar for Singaporeans. The most common mishap? Speaking without realising the microphone is on mute is a situation experienced by 29% of those surveyed. On the flip side, 27% have faced the opposite problem of when someone unknowingly leaves their mic on, causing a "little oopsie" moment with unexpected background noise.

So, how do Singaporeans respond to these slip-ups? According to the survey, 32% prefer to ignore the situation and stay focused on the call. However, not everyone keeps a straight face with 29% take a more light-hearted approach, choosing to laugh and make a joke about it.

Why do Singaporeans turn their cameras off?

Despite video calls being a key part of remote work, it seems not everyone keeps their cameras on. The top reason for switching off the camera is to attend to someone offscreen such as a family member or a delivery person. This is a situation faced by 33% of respondents.

Interestingly, 25% admitted to turning their cameras off for a bathroom break, while 24% said their most frequent reason was due to inappropriate dress.

Navigating the new normal of virtual meetings

With 69% of Singaporeans using video calls at work, mastering video call etiquette is more important than ever. From mic mishaps to last-minute wardrobe changes, these virtual meetings have reshaped how we communicate professionally.

While a muted mic or a quick camera-off moment may cause a chuckle, it’s all part of the modern work experience. How does your team handle virtual meeting mishaps?