The rise of remote work has made video calls a fundamental tool in the professional routine. Far from being a temporary solution, they have become part of the usual ecosystem of many organizations, regardless of their size. However, although their use has been globalized, the way each country adopts this technology varies significantly based on customs, social norms, and communication styles.
A recent study by Bitrix24, based on more than 1.2 million video calls conducted in 95 countries, reveals fascinating data about how we behave in front of the camera, how much time we spend in meetings, and what functions we use most… with Italy and Turkey standing out for their particular habits.
Complete Study by Bitrix24
One of the most evident habits in video calls is the use of the camera. In many cultures, keeping the video active during the meeting symbolizes commitment, transparency, and professional courtesy. However, in others, it may be seen as an intrusion into privacy or simply unnecessary.
Italy leads the global ranking as the country where the camera is most frequently kept on: only 13% of calls are made without video. This data suggests a strong inclination toward visual communication and the interest in maintaining an active presence in front of other participants. Countries such as Poland (22%) and Turkey (26%) also show low levels of camera being turned off.
In contrast, regions like South America or India show a clearer tendency to dispense with video. In both areas, almost half of the video calls (48%) are made with the camera off. The reasons can be diverse: from connectivity issues to personal preferences or even cultural factors that prioritize voice over image.
Another key functionality in video calls is the option to share the screen, which is very useful for presenting documents, displaying reports, or reviewing platforms in real time. Here, Turkey positions itself as the most active country, with 5.8% of calls including this function, followed by Mexico (5.4%) and Poland (4.9%).
This intensive use can be interpreted as a sign of work cultures that favor direct visual collaboration, as well as a greater adoption of digital technologies in corporate environments. On the other hand, countries like Brazil and France barely reach 2% of calls with screen sharing.
The average duration of video calls also varies greatly by country. Globally, a group meeting lasts approximately 20 minutes, while individual calls average around 9 minutes. However, these averages conceal significant regional differences.
In Italy, for instance, group calls reach an average of 34 minutes, followed by Germany, with 27 minutes. This could indicate a greater willingness for extended debate or more relaxed meeting structures. In contrast, in India, group meetings last only 14 minutes, reflecting a more direct style and possibly more efficient use of time.
Individual calls show a similar pattern: from 14 minutes in Italy to 7 minutes in India. This connects with recent studies on “Zoom fatigue,” which suggest that shorter and more frequent meetings are more effective and less exhausting, especially if limited to a few participants.
Precisely in terms of group size, the smallest calls are recorded in Germany, with an average of 3.2 people, which is 27% below the global average. On the other hand, the largest are in Central Asia, especially in Kazakhstan, where they typically include more than four participants.
Another highlighted aspect is call recording, a functionality that, although less widespread, reveals another interesting pattern. In Mexico, almost 10% of video calls are recorded, a figure well above the global average. This is followed by the United Kingdom (2.3%) and South America (2%).
These figures may be related to the need to document meetings in large teams, ensure task follow-up, or facilitate asynchronous communication in distributed teams.
The study by Bitrix24 demonstrates that, beyond universal norms—such as being punctual, dressing appropriately, or using neutral backgrounds to reduce fatigue—videoconferencing etiquette has a strong cultural component.
In some countries, constant visual connection is synonymous with respect and professionalism; in others, sharing screens or recording calls are more common and accepted practices. Understanding these differences not only helps to avoid misunderstandings but also improves collaboration between international teams and strengthens mutual respect.
In a world where virtual meetings will continue to be a part of the work routine, adapting our practices to regional habits may be the key to more effective communications and smoother work relationships.
If you wish to view the complete study, you can do so from the following link:
This content is made possible thanks to the support of Bitrix24.
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