Before COVID-19 came along, causing us to avoid social contact and isolate ourselves in our homes, it was estimated that within the next few years, up to 50 per cent of employees would be working full – or at least part-time – from their homes.
Now we have 80 per cent or more people working in the knowledge and information sectors doing just that. And working from home is likely to become the “new normal”.
Now we have had a few weeks in social isolation, many of us have experienced the virtual meetings phenomena, using platforms like Google Meetings (Hangouts), Skype and the most popular, Zoom. It looks like virtual meetings are here to stay.
But, surprisingly to some, participating in – and even just attending – these “Zoom” meetings, can be very tiring. The novelty is wearing off.
Believe it or not, a new term has entered the language. “Zoom fatigue” is a real thing.
Some factors leading to Zoom Fatigue include:
- “When you’re on, you’re on” – you know everybody’s looking at you and you are looking at you, too.
- In virtual meetings, you miss the crucial non-verbal communications, so you need to work harder to pick up the nuances that body language may convey.
- Trying to “work” while also trying to home school, avoid eating and drinking too much, get some exercise, etc, etc. So we work harder to try and keep everything separate.
- Our own expectations. Some of us may be over-performing, working longer hours and not getting away from work.
So what can we do to alleviate “Zoom Fatigue?”
- Limit video calls to those that are necessary.
- Consider whether video chats are really the most efficient option. Perhaps a simple telephone call or sharing of files (via Google Drive, OneNote or Dropbox, etc.) can be just as effective.
- Make turning on the camera optional (understand that cameras do not always have to be on throughout each meeting).
- Have transition periods in between video meetings; avoid going from one online meeting straight into another – and take time during meetings to catch up before diving into business (as you might naturally do in a face-to-face meeting).
We are analogue creatures now working in a digital world (and facing a quantum future). Whilst we might “feel” relaxed in a virtual meeting, we’re not. In fact, it can be quite exhausting.
Dr David McIvor, Director, WorkSafety Pty Ltd and author of “Working From Home Safety Handbook”
