What is Zoom fatigue and how to combat it
Do you feel exhausted after multiple Zoom meetings? If yes, you might be struggling with Zoom fatigue.
What is Zoom fatigue?
First of all, Zoom fatigue is real, and that’s not an exaggeration. The most common signals that you’re experiencing Zoom fatigue are:
- Feeling exhausted after video calls that require continuous attention and engagement
- Eyes discomfort that is a result of spending too much time looking at a screen
- Reduced productivity and difficulties to focus on anything else between meetings
- Having to switch from one meeting to another without any breaks
Although Zoom is a great tool to connect with others, many people who rely on video meetings for work, education, or social interactions are dealing with Zoom fatigue.
How to combat Zoom fatigue?
If you’re fed up with endless Zoom meetings, take a moment to think about the following aspects:
Is my presence really required?
Of course, I don’t want you to skip meetings, but sometimes we attend meetings where our presence is not mandatory or we can watch the recording later. I’m sure there are meetings you can pass on. When your role requires scheduling many meetings, include 10–15 minutes between meetings, just to make sure you have a short break to take a sip of water, or go to the toilet.
Is agenda defined?
With no agenda defined, it’s more likely that the meeting will take longer than you initially scheduled. Prepare a detailed plan for the meeting and make sure that all participants receive it. In that way, they will be able to prepare and the meeting will be more efficient for everybody.
Can you switch off your camera?
When there is the possibility to switch off your camera, why not? It can help you maximize your time and feel less pressure to appear in a certain way.
The prospects of remote work are promising and offer significant time-saving advantages. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential challenges that can arise from the ‘always-on’ culture. Zoom fatigue is among these challenges. I believe that this article helped you understand what Zoom fatigue is and how to handle it.
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