Remote work has become more popular due to technological advancements, changing workplace preferences, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To cater to employee needs and enhance profitability. However, prolonged use of video conferencing tools like Zoom has led to "Zoom fatigue," causing stress and burnout among remote workers. This phenomenon significantly affects remote employees' mental health, productivity, and engagement.

What is "Zoom Fatigue"? 

Due to the pandemic, many knowledge workers have spent significant time working from home, leading to the booming popularity of video conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Coined by Stanford professor Jeremy Bailenson, "Zoom Fatigue" describes the exhaustion from spending extensive time on video calls. Symptoms include tiredness, physical discomfort, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. Bailenson identified causes of Zoom fatigue, including excessive close-up eye gaze and increased self-evaluation from staring at oneself. He suggested simple changes to Zoom's interface to address this, like hiding the selfie window after a few seconds. Users can also reduce strain by shrinking the video window and opting for more phone calls instead of video meetings. 

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What Causes "Zoom Fatigue"? 

This phenomenon is not only a result of extended screen time but also stems from the limitations of these platforms in conveying non-verbal cues, the increased cognitive load associated with virtual interactions, and the unique format of virtual meetings. Recognizing these aspects helps individuals and organizations address the challenges of Zoom fatigue and work towards more sustainable and effective remote communication practices.

Extended screen time

• Prolonged use of computer screens during video calls can lead to eye strain, headaches, anxiety, and fatigue for remote workers.

Limited non-verbal cues

• Video conferencing platforms lack essential non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, impacting clear communication.

Increased mental workload 

• Dealing with non-verbal cues, focusing on conversations, and managing distractions during video calls adds to cognitive load.

Virtual meeting format

• Virtual meetings, often organized differently from in-person meetings, can create tension and anxiety among participants.

How can it Negatively Impact Workers?

Zoom fatigue is a phenomenon that has diverse negative impacts on individuals, including heightened stress, burnout, physical discomfort, and reduced productivity. 

Lower Productivity

• Remote workers may experience reduced output as they struggle to focus and manage distractions. 

Decreased Engagement

• Weariness with virtual meetings can lead to decreased interest and motivation among distant workers, resulting in reduced engagement.

Negative Impact on Mental Health 

• Zoom fatigue may contribute to heightened tension, anxiety, and burnout, negatively affecting the mental health of remote employees.

How to Handle "Zoom Fatigue"? 

Reducing Zoom fatigue is essential as video meetings persist in the post-pandemic world. While you may not control the number of video conferences, you can minimize the risk of Zoom fatigue with some practical strategies: 

Avoid Multitasking

Avoid multitasking during Zoom meetings, as it can cause you to lose focus and become less productive. Shut down any unnecessary browser windows and remove any distractions, like phones.

Switch to Phone or Email

To prevent Zoom fatigue, evaluate whether a video conference is necessary and consider making calls or sending emails instead. If necessary, postpone video meetings and suggest audio calls, especially when you're not in the office.

Take Short Breaks

It would help if you took breaks for your body and mind. During long Zoom meetings, take a quick break from the camera, get up and move around, and practice your eyes. 

Hide Self-View

• Refrain from constantly analyzing yourself, as this can make you feel self-conscious. To avoid excessive focus on your appearance and self-criticism, hide your self-view after you've checked your arrival at the beginning of the call.

Give Yourself More Space

• Use wireless keyboards, mice, and earphones to fight off tiredness. To enhance the comfort and in-person meeting experience, place an external webcam at a greater distance from the computer.

To address the booming "Zoom Fatigue" issue, individuals and organizations can implement scheduling breaks, limiting meeting duration, promoting audio-only calls, and improving overall communication practices. Recognizing and actively mitigating Zoom fatigue is crucial for fostering a healthier, more sustainable remote work environment.

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