Zoom fatigue
There is a new phenomenon that has been dubbed ‘zoom fatigue’, which is an exhaustion as a direct result of being online for many hours a day. Specifically, it refers to Zoom in the title, but effectively incorporates all video conferencing platforms out there.
Why do we become more fatigued from a video conference than from meeting upon meeting at work?
When we are on Zoom, we have more sensory stimulation than a typical conversation in our day. There are multiple images to distract us (especially in group calls); there is more auditory input than just voices (like children or cats meowing behind your boss); and there are fewer human interactions (you cannot see the whole person you are talking to). We cannot see the tapping foot under the table that in a real meeting would have edged us to change modes to keep things interesting; we cannot see our bosses looking at their watches, indicating it is time to hurry on up; and we cannot see our colleagues shifting in their seats with excitement as we share our wins for the week! All these human cues make real life conversations easier to understand, but on Zoom - or any platform doing the same thing - they don’t exist. We have to work much harder to decipher what is going on, and to filter the information coming in. It is also much easier to lose focus, to try multi-task and to feel uncomfortable with faces very close to ours.
So what can we do about it to prevent burnout?
Reduce distractions
Create a clean and decluttered work space. Remove unnecessary distractions within view (like the TV or the pile of laundry that needs to be dealt with). Try to position your computer on a clean wall on a tidy desk.
Reduce stimuli
Consider switching off your profile image so that you don’t spend most of the call watching yourself and evaluating yourself whilst you are trying to work (this is also a very common distraction). Turn off your background and create a uniform solid color background so that it doesn’t feel like you are in 5 rooms at once when conferencing with 5 others (ask everyone on the call to do the same). Swicth off your mic when you are not speaking. Turn down screen brightness and avoid direct natural light on your screen.
Avoid multi-tasking
Research shows that we are less effective when we try to do too many tasks simultaneously. It reducing our working memory capacity, making it more challenging to remember what we have done; and it makes us much more tired. Multitasking can cost you up to 40% of your productivity. Rather, focus on one mode at a time and set a time to reply to messages later on.
Rest breaks
These are vital to help you refresh during the day. Consider shortening meetings by 5 mins so that you can use 5 mins between video calls to walk around. Intentionally look away from your screen more in the day to give your eyes a break. Between calls, move your body, grab a glass of water and eat a quick snack.
Change modes
Unless absolutely necessary, consider using email/WhatsApp or phone calls. You can also opt for “video off” in the calls and stick to audio to reduce your video input for the day.
Keep it authentic
Make an effort to ask how each other are doing, smile, tell jokes and have some light hearted moments with colleagues to keep the interaction human and authentic.
How does Zoom fatigue impact children?
Generally, children are not spending as many hours on video calls as adults and as a result, don’t reach fatigue point as quickly. However, they are still at risk of developing online fatigue, which can impact their motivation and interest in school. Teachers are beginning to report this amongst children and even little pre-schoolers are opting out of video calls because they feel uncomfortable in that setting. Below are a few more tips specifically for children that might assist:
Ensure that their mic is off when not speaking.
Reduce screen brightness and ensure that there is not direct light on their screen.
Allow them to opt out of video calls if they choose that.
Spend a lot of time outside or playing non-screen games in the day.
Request alternative communication modes if your child is not coping.
Sources:
https://hbr.org/2020/04/how-to-combat-zoom-fatigue
https://kinzoo.com/blog/screen-time/this-might-be-why-your-family-feels-so-exhausted/