In an era where remote work has become the norm, Zoom meetings have become a part of our daily routine. However, what was initially a boon for maintaining connectivity during physical distancing has morphed for many into a source of exhaustion known as “Zoom fatigue.”
This phenomenon is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a real challenge facing remote workers worldwide. Our previous article discussed why videoconferencing or “zooming” creates extra stress. This article will briefly recap and then a dozen practical tips to manage and overcome Zoom fatigue.
What is Zoom Fatigue?
Zoom fatigue refers to the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing virtual communication platforms like Zoom. Unlike regular office environments, constant video chatting requires higher levels of continuous focus, eye contact, and lack of movement, leading to a quicker buildup of fatigue.
Causes
The sources of Zoom fatigue are varied. They include the mental strain of processing non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and tone, the pressure of being on camera, and decreased physical mobility. Furthermore, the blending of our professional and personal spaces can make it challenging to disconnect and relax.
Top Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue and Overload
While everyone may need to use Zoom and other communication platforms, there are ways to avoid fatigue and overload. Let’s look at a few ways to reduce Zoom fatigue.
Take Breaks
Short breaks between meetings can significantly reduce fatigue. Use this time to stand up, step away from your computer, stretch, or do a quick physical activity to reset your energy levels.
Shorten Meeting Times
Consider making meetings 45 minutes instead of an hour or 20 minutes instead of 30. This gives everyone time to rest between sessions and maintains the efficiency of discussions.
Change Settings to “Speaker Only”
Viewing too many faces on your screen can be overwhelming. Switching to “speaker view” helps mimic a more natural focus point and reduces stimuli.
Turn your Video Off
When appropriate, turn your video off. It can alleviate the pressure of being on camera and allow you to focus better on the meeting’s content.
Move Your Body
Incorporate physical movement into your day. Stretch, walk, or do a quick workout during longer breaks to keep your blood flowing and to counteract the physical stagnation that comes with sitting for too long.
Take Notes to Stay Present
Taking notes can help you stay engaged with the meeting and retain information better. It’s also a productive outlet for any restless energy.
Dress the Part
Dressing as if going into the office can psychologically prepare you to enter a work mindset, making it easier to transition into and out of work mode.
Change Up How You Communicate
Not every meeting needs to be a video call. Assess if an email, a phone call, or a messaging app could achieve the same goals without contributing to Zoom fatigue.
Avoid Multitasking
Trying to do multiple things at once can split your focus and diminish the quality of your work. Concentrate on one task at a time for better productivity and less stress.
Group Meetings in Quiet Spaces
If possible, attend meetings in a designated quiet space with minimal distractions. This will help you stay focused and reduce the cognitive load of filtering out background noise.
Turn Off Some Cameras and Hide Self-View
Turning off your camera or hiding the self-view option can lessen the self-evaluation and critique of seeing yourself on screen, allowing you to focus more on the meeting content.
Schedule Breaks, Mix in Phone Calls, and Shorten or Cancel Meetings
Be proactive in managing your schedule. If you foresee a day packed with back-to-back Zoom meetings, try to reschedule some, change some to phone calls, or question the necessity of each meeting.
Don’t be afraid to shorten or cancel meetings if they are not absolutely necessary. Sometimes, a quick email or message exchange can accomplish the same task without wasting valuable time and energy in a meeting. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries to avoid Zoom overload.
Zoom fatigue doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of remote work. Implementing these strategies can help mitigate its effects and maintain a healthier, more balanced work life. Remember, the goal of using Zoom and similar platforms should always be to enhance productivity without compromising well-being. By staying mindful of our habits and taking steps to reduce Zoom fatigue, we can make virtual meetings a more enjoyable and sustainable part of our work routine. Happy Zooming!
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