Zoom Fatigue: When a video call becomes a nightmare
After a Zoom virtual meeting, do you experience the following symptoms: generalised anxiety, perpetual tiredness, intestinal discomfort, migraines and a feeling of exhaustion? Don't worry, we are not here to tell you that you are suffering from a serious and incurable syndrome, but simply a small negative effect of the Digital Workplace.
But if you are experiencing some of these symptoms, you are probably suffering from Zoom Fatigue. What is it and what are the negative effects on our organism? And above all, 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 drained and completely exhausted after an online video call on Zoom. Some even fall asleep due to the fatigue accumulated after hours of video calls or virtual video chats. This phenomenon has taken such proportions that the term Zoom Fatigue has been coined. But it does not only affect 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 in which our cognitive system is engaged in multiple activities (because it is stimulated by multiple stimuli), but without being able 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 several tasks at the same time. It can also occur in real environments, but virtual ones in particular 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, in reality do not work in a collaborative manner, but rather compartmentalise: that is, one or two people talking and the others passively listening.
Moreover, since it is preferentially the person speaking who is displayed, we cannot see the reactions of the other participants who remain silent and which, 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 strains the cognitive system enormously and one has the impression of having performed an extremely hard task, when, in fact, the only action we performed was that of listening. 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 non-verbal signals 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 as it only transmits the person's voice and this is exactly what we expect.
What are the solutions to Zoom Fatigue?
Attention to organisation
- Only organise Zoom video conferences if they are necessary and in other cases make simple calls.
- One should not impose an obligation to turn on the camera. And above all, a little more understanding should be given to people who do not want to keep the camera on all the time of the virtual meeting.
- Placing the screen to the side instead of in front of you could be a solution that helps your concentration. In fact, it should give you the impression of being in an adjacent room and thus cause less fatigue.
- Use alternative methods to virtual Zoom meeting. Very often well-structured shared files are more explanatory than a virtual meeting that lasts for hours and during which nobody listens. In fact, in this way you avoid the information overload typical of a virtual Zoom meeting and give your collaborators the opportunity to calmly and, above all, carefully read all the data contained in your shared file.
- If you organise particularly long Zoom virtual meetings, it would be better to schedule breaks and transition periods of at least 10-15 minutes. In fact, not only will the participants benefit from this break, but also you as the speaker of the virtual meeting can breathe a sigh of relief. These pauses 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 videoconferencing in the open air 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. In addition, 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 setting aside small breaks for physical activity, even if it is minimal. For example, do some stretching, take a 10-minute walk in the fresh air 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. Do not 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 will benefit your productivity.
One hour a day: zero technology
To decrease stress levels caused by excessive use of online meeting platforms, it is advisable to take an hour break from all technological means. Put your mobile phone on do-not-disturb mode and try to resist even the temptation to use online social media platforms. Dedicate yourself to outdoor activities or activities that get your creativity going.
The 50-50 rule
Executive coach, Anitha Balaraj, recommends adopting the 50-50 technique: for every 50 minutes you spend in front of a screen, take a break and look out of the window and stare at a spot 50 feet away. The secret is to free your mind from the fatigue caused after a video conference on Zoom and recharge your batteries while enjoying the panoramic view. Afterwards you will be ready to resume your meetings with a lower level of stress.
Article translated from Italian