Zoom Fatigue Is Real : 4 Tips To Fix It

Zoom fatigue is defined as the exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout associated with spending too much time in virtual platforms for communication with colleagues, friends, and relatives. A fallout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Zoom fatigue is the new normal for office workers – widely prevalent and intense. Experts from diverse disciplines such as acoustics, business, and social sciences have researched the phenomena and tried to provide explanations. Here we discuss four possible causes for Zoom fatigue, and ways to fix it.

Reasons For Zoom Fatigue

Zoom fatigue sets in due to increased time spent in video conferences over work-related meetings, birthday celebrations with friends & family, and even first dates. Too much time spend over video calls has been tiring out participants. Here are some reasons for the fatigue, and how to cope with it.

Too Much Eye Contacts Up Close

Eye contact increases intimacy and communication with people. But too much eye contact can be stressful as it is an intimate act. During video conferences participants are forced to make eye contacts for long periods of time and get a feeling of being too close in proximity to the speaker’s face due to the video format of the call. With Zoom each of the participants get non-stop close-up view of all other participants. The feeling is similar to being in a crowded subway car where people are forced to stand close to each other and stare at people.

How to fix it: Find the physical distance you are comfortable talking to with someone you live with. Next time when you attend a Zoom call place the laptop or monitor at a distance you are comfortable while speaking to people.

Viewing Yourself Constantly

Most people are not used to watching themselves constantly while working. During video conferences people are more likely to evaluate themselves while viewing themselves in real time. The constant self-viewing on zoom meetings leads to self-evaluation and negative impact on one’s psyche, according to recent studies.

How to fix it: If possible, turn off the camera or use the "hide self-view" option available on Zoom.

Limited Mobility Options

Prior to Zoom meetings people were used to face-to-face meetings that allowed ample scope for movement. One could pace around, stand and stretch, doodle while listening to the speaker, walk up to the chalkboard and write on it, or even refill a glass of water from the water cooler placed at a corner of the room. Such movements are not possible during video call meetings as the participants must be visible to the others, which meant being confined within a small space while the meeting lasts.

How to fix it: Push back the laptop or desktop and sit at a distance, allowing a larger field of view and increased scope of movement during the meeting. Make a prudent choice whether a video conferencing is necessary, or a phone call would suffice.

Nonverbal Communication Is Difficult

Nonverbal cues are easier to interpret in person than in video conferences. As they are essential for successful communication, people have to make special effort during video calls to get the message across, which often is draining. Even conducting a normal conversation can be stressful as it requires participants to be louder on video call, than in face-to-face communication.

How to fix it: On days you have more than two Zoom meetings it is best to take “audio only” calls. It is less stressful as the video is turned off and you need not stay facing the screen the entire time. Also, there is no need to pay attention to the nonverbal cues you give out or interpret the nonverbal cues given by others.

The Takeaway

Video calls through Zoom or other online platforms are great tools to stay connected for co-workers, students & teachers, doctors & patients, and others. However, as with all technology there are consequences of overusing a tool. For those who are experiencing Zoom fatigue remember you are not alone in this. Just follow the simple fixes discussed here to reduce your stress.