Zoom Fatigue, Anyone?

One of the new normal of working from home is video conferencing. It has been used for meetings and virtual training since we were required to "stay home."

I am sure many have recorded record hours on video calls or Zoom sessions.

Do you have to take video calls more often?

Whether for work or personal calls to keep in touch with friends and family, this has led to a new phenomenon called Zoom fatigue.

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What is Zoom Fatigue?

It is the feeling of exhaustion from having to take frequent video calls.

Experts have said that being on a video call requires more focus than a face-to-face chat. This means we are subconsciously working harder to process non-verbal cues like facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, and body language. Our brain is working harder to pay more attention and causes us to consume a lot of energy.

According to Gianpiero Petriglieri, an associate professor at Insead, who explores sustainable learning and development in the workplace.

"Our minds are together when our bodies feel we're not. That dissonance, which causes people to have conflicting feelings, is exhausting. You cannot relax into the conversation naturally."

There is the self-conscious element of how we see ourselves on screen. It is hard for anyone not to look at themselves and wondering how others will perceive their behavior in front of the camera.

Marissa Shuffler, an associate professor at Clemson University, who studies workplace well being and teamwork effectiveness says,

"When you're on a video conference, you know everybody's looking at you; you are on stage, so there comes the social pressure and feeling like you need to perform. Being performative is nerve-wracking and more stressful."

How do we overcome this?

Although not always possible but we can try the following 3 methods.

1. Turn off the self-view feature.

You can turn off the camera feature when video is not necessary. However, recently some have made the video mandatory for some sessions.

If you are conscious and concerned about how you’ll look on camera, you can try to rehearse prior to the meeting. Make any adjustments to the lighting, or angles of the camera.

Some systems don't allow turning off self-view, you can cover your camera with a tape or paper or post-it note.

2. Find a comfort zone

Finding a spot that you are most comfortable with a background scenery that keeps you happy may be a good thing. It can be a study room for some or a nice sunny spot by the window.

Changing from your typical setup can help to beat Zoom fatigue by refreshing you and make it less stressful showing your home to others.

Lighting and temperature does have an effect on us. It increases the stress that we feel unconsciously and adds to Zoom fatigue. A spot with better lighting, temperature you are comfortable and airy make help you feel more focused and lively.

3. Always have an agenda

My experience is the longer the session is, the stress increases proportionally. In any meeting, it is human nature to go off topic. You want to prevent prolonged virtual meetings and keep to the time and agenda.

Since Zoom fatigue thrives off long virtual sessions, you want to have a plan and stick to it!

Taking breaks in between long sessions can certainly help. I schedule longer breaks in my virtual class than usual face to face training

What about you?

Have you experienced Zoom fatigue?

What have you done to cope?

Let me know and share in the discussion below.