Video calls are notoriously tiring, but experts have found that limiting the use of video call technology can alleviate the problem. Video calls require more mental processing than face-to-face interactions, so using video calls to conduct business can be mentally draining. In addition, overusing virtual meetings can lead to Zoom fatigue. Here are some alternatives to virtual meetings. Using a video call for business purposes may not be the best option for every company.
Working from home can be tiring
While working from home can have its benefits, it can also be tiresome. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that the average workday increased by 48 minutes after global lockdowns. Whether you choose to use video conferencing or hold your meetings online, the long hours spent at the computer can lead to fatigue and burnout. While working from home can eliminate many of the stresses associated with an office environment, you must still maintain your old routines. If you drive to work each morning, for instance, you can listen to music, drink a coffee, or take a break.
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Online meetings such as Zoom meetings can be tiring, especially if you are unable to see the other person’s face. The distance can make it difficult to maintain eye contact, recognize facial expressions, or understand voice intonation. You may even feel depressed or anxious. These symptoms can affect your productivity and cause you to quit your job. So, you need to find other ways to keep your energy levels up.
Video calls require more mental processing than face-to-face interactions
In addition to being mentally tiring, video calls can also lead to fatigue. Video call participants often see themselves in the corner of their screen and may feel self-conscious about the noise in the background. Also, video calls require people to stay still for longer periods of time. Therefore, it’s important to schedule regular breaks. Video calls are here to stay, so you should invest in quality gear and a good microphone if you plan to use them often.
As with any type of communication, video calls require more mental processing than face-toface interactions in online meetings. In fact, research has shown that video calls require more mental processing than face-to-face interactions. As a result, they can be awkward, especially for those who work in an office with colleagues. To avoid these problems, it’s a good idea to use a separate video call feature or to use an external webcam.
Overuse of virtual meetings can lead to Zoom fatigue
Overuse of video conferencing and online meetings can cause an accumulation of mental energy that can cause “Zoom fatigue.” Many employees report feeling exhausted after participating in a video conference. In addition, if Zoom meetings are repeated too often, they can make multitasking difficult. In fact, some employees report that they need to take frequent breaks from Zoom meetings to recover. The effect on mental energy is significant and often leads to poorer performance in the workplace.
A healthy balance of visual and verbal cues is the norm during an in-person meeting. Video conferencing disturbs these norms. It also introduces an abundance of visual stimuli that are difficult to detect and interpret. Furthermore, video conferencing uses different backgrounds that increase the amount of visual stimuli and can result in zoom fatigue. Here are a few tips for reducing Zoom fatigue:
Alternatives to virtual meetings
If you find online meetings to be too demanding or too tiring, you might want to try out some alternatives. Asynchronous communication is one of the best ways to reduce work from home burnout, and many virtual meeting alternatives fall under this category. Audio-only phone calls, for example, are a rising trend in remote workplaces, as they offer less stress than on-camera virtual meetings and give employees a break from the computer.
Another way to reduce fatigue during virtual meetings is to switch off your computer camera. Video conferencing offers many benefits, but not everyone finds it comfortable. You can switch off your camera and still participate in the meeting. Other alternatives to virtual meetings include a phone call or teleconference. You can also make use of recording software to give brief presentations. By presenting in videos, you’ll be able to explain new protocols and policies to others without having to show your face.