That "performing your job" part from rodriguez.skyler is so true. I started keeping my camera off for long check-in calls and it cut that mental load in half. Now I can just focus on the work itself.
Wait, you can actually get away with that? Rodriguez.skyler is onto something with the whole "performing your job" thing. I always assumed bosses would freak out if they saw a black screen.
Turns out a black screen lets you do other small tasks without looking rude, like checking notes or even just staring into space to process an idea. That constant low grade pressure to look engaged and make eye contact is honestly its own kind of work. You are basically doing your job and also performing your job at the same time.