What is Zoom Fatigue?
Zoom fatigue is the feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or burnout that can result from participating in virtual video meetings, particularly those that are held for extended periods of time. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including increased screen time, lack of nonverbal cues, reduced mobility, and difficulty in maintaining focus.
What are the Negative Effects of Zoom Fatigue?
Possible negative effects of Zoom fatigue may include physical symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, as well as mental symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, and increased stress and anxiety. It may also lead to decreased productivity, reduced creativity and innovation, and a general sense of disconnection and isolation from others.
Tips for Combating Zoom Fatigue
To avoid Zoom fatigue and keep remote teams engaged, consider the following activities:
- Mix up meeting formats: Instead of relying solely on video meetings, consider using other formats such as audio-only calls, instant messaging, or email.
- Encourage breaks and movement: Encourage team members to take regular breaks and engage in physical activity to reduce screen time and improve blood flow.
- Host interactive sessions: Incorporate interactive activities such as brainstorming sessions, team-building exercises, or game-based activities to keep team members engaged and energised. Try an interactive virtual wine tasting session.
- Prioritize communication: Encourage team members to share their ideas and feedback, and make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak during meetings.
- Use visuals: Incorporate visual aids such as slides, images, or videos to help break up the monotony of a video call and keep team members engaged.
- Limit meeting duration: Consider reducing meeting duration and frequency, and only scheduling meetings when necessary.
- Foster social connections: Incorporate social activities such as virtual coffee breaks, team lunches, or happy hours to help team members build connections and combat isolation.
