Zoom Fatigue: When a video call becomes a nightmare
After a Zoom virtual meeting, do you experience the following symptoms: generalized anxiety, perpetual fatigue, intestinal discomfort, migraines, and a sense of exhaustion? Don't worry, we are not here to announce that you are suffering from a serious and incurable syndrome but simply a small negative effect of the Digital Workplace.
But if you experience some of these symptoms, you are probably suffering from Zoom Fatigue. What is it and what are the negative effects on our bodies? And most importantly, what are the remedies to avoid the side effects of Zoom Fatigue? Let's find out together in this article.
Zoom Fatigue: what it is, symptoms
An increasing number of people feel out of energy and completely exhausted after an online video call on Zoom. Some even go so far as to fall asleep due to fatigue accumulated after hours of video calls or virtual video chats. This phenomenon has taken such dimensions that the term Zoom Fatigue has been coined. But it affects not only video calls or video chats made with Zoom, but with all online platforms such as Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime or other virtual interfaces of the same kind.
The negative effects of Zoom Fatigue
Making a Zoom video call puts us in a situation where our cognitive system is engaged in multiple tasks (because it is being solicited by multiple stimuli), but without getting to stay focused on one particular task. Psychologists call continuous partial attention the work our cognitive system tries to do when it is stimulated by multiple external factors and has to perform multiple tasks at the same time. It can occur even in real environments, but virtual ones especially tend to recreate this situation of high brain stress.
For this reason, video calls, video conferences and virtual chats, although they are supposed to be a tool of collaborative work, actually do not work collaboratively, but rather compartmentalize: that is, one or two people talking and the others passively listening.
Moreover, since the person speaking is preferentially displayed, we cannot see the reactions of the other participants who remain silent and who, in a normal situation (i.e., presence), we would be able to perceive.
The action of dividing our attention for a prolonged period of time greatly fatigues the cognitive system, and one gets the impression that we have performed an extremely hard task, when, in fact, the only action we performed was to listen. The problem is related to the fact that our cognitive system is in a situation of information overload. It also keeps looking for the typical nonverbal cues present in a discussion, but which it cannot find in an online video call or video conference on Zoom. A traditional phone call, on the other hand, stresses our cognitive system less since it only transmits the person's voice and that is exactly what we expect.
What are the solutions to Zoom Fatigue?
Attention to organization
- Arrange Zoom video conferences only if they are necessary and in other cases make simple calls.
- One should not impose an obligation to turn on the camera. Most importantly, a little more understanding should be accorded to people who do not want to keep the camera on the whole time of the virtual meeting.
- Placing the screen to the side instead of in front of you might be a solution that helps your concentration. In fact, it should give you the impression that you are in an adjacent room and therefore causes a lower level of fatigue.
- Use alternative methods to virtual Zoom meeting. Very often well-structured shared files are more explanatory than a virtual meeting that lasts hours and during which no one listens. In fact, in this way you avoid the information overload typical of a Zoom virtual meeting and give your collaborators the opportunity to calmly and especially carefully read all the data contained in your shared file.
- If you hold particularly long Zoom virtual meetings, it would be best to schedule breaks and transition periods of at least 10 to 15 minutes. In fact, not only will the participants benefit from this break time, but also you as the speaker of the virtual meeting can breathe a sigh of relief. These break moments or transitions are important for taking a refresh and returning ready and focused for the continuation of the virtual meeting.
Zoom videoconferencing en plein air
Following or participating in some outdoor videoconferencing can be a great way to increase concentration during a virtual meeting. Especially if you are in a sunny place, a vitamin D boost will help you decrease stress levels and improve your attention span. Plus, a change of perspective from an indoor location will help you feel less fatigue caused by video conferencing.
Dedicate part of the day to physical activity
If you spend the whole day working remotely, you should think about establishing small breaks to do some physical activity, even minimal. For example, do some stretching, take a 10-minute walk outdoors, or even just go for a glass of water. Physical activity reduces the level of stress hormones and gives a reboost to your concentration, nothing better to avoid zoom fatigue. Don't hesitate to listen to the signals your body sends you. After a long and exhausting video conference, you have the right to treat yourself to a little fitness time that can benefit your productivity.
One hour a day: zero technology
To decrease stress levels caused by excessive use of online meeting platforms, you should be able to take an hour break from all technological means. Put your cell phone on do not disturb mode and try to resist even the temptation to use online social media platforms. Devote yourself to activities that are outdoors or put your creativity into motion.
The 50-50 rule
Executive coach, Anitha Balaraj, recommends adopting the 50-50 technique: for every 50 minutes spent in front of a screen, take a break and look out the window and stare at a spot 50 feet away. The key is to clear your mind of the fatigue caused after a video conference on Zoom and recharge your batteries while trying to enjoy the panoramic view. Afterwards you will be ready to resume your meetings with a lower level of stress.
Article translated from Italian