5 Ways to Combat Zoom Fatigue

Yet another phrase has been added to our vernacular vocabulary - Zoom Fatigue. This is the sensation someone gets when they feel overloaded with video conferencing sessions. Recently, the number of video conferencing opportunities have leapt in number to the point where it's now normal to meet, train and gather via a video conferencing app - Zoom being one of the most popular.

So why does something like zoom fatigue exist? Why do we get so tired sitting around in video conferences? Well firstly, it's not such a natural thing for us to do. We have to be 'on' all the time and a higher level of concentration is needed than if we were in a physical location meeting. We are limiting our movements greatly and trying to focus on a screen for long periods, listening, making notes, sharing and so on. So to help with this relatively new phenomenon, here are five things you can do to help combat Zoom Fatigue.

1. Keep Sessions Short

It's much harder to endure sessions on video conference than in person, so reduce the amount of time people actually have to be together in a session. Keep it punchy and short so that people actually want more rather than wanting it to end. If you are used to doing a one day training session, try at least cutting it in half for two half days. Even better to 90 minutes.

2. Use the Phone Instead

Although video allows you to 'see' body language and the environment, why not replace some sessions with a good old fashioned phone conversation. You'll find your concentration levels can be higher and a 30 minute phone conversation goes by faster than a 30 minute video session. Consider if the video aspect is absolutely necessary and if not, throw some variation by using the phone - even if it's for more than two people.

3. Use activities, polls and quizzes

Vary up the experience by using short activities. These can help energize people and get them tuned in. They can also make a point about what you are discussing and help to reinforce any learning you may need. You'll find over 100 remote activities for virtual teams in this book.

Use Kahoot! or similar software to create a quiz about each other, the company, products or services or a topic in question. You can do it for free and let the software work out all the scoring. Polls allow you to check in real time people's thoughts on certain topics. They can be anonymous too so you may get some real feedback.

4. Breakout Rooms

Most conferencing software will allow you to assign people to breakout rooms. This can be done before the sessions or you can do it impromptu. Give the participants an opportunity to pair up or work in small groups within their own room that you can set up on the fly. Even with big numbers, the software will allow you to randomly group people into any number of rooms you choose. It's a great way to vary the session and get people to interact in a more intimate setting.

5. Turn Videos Off

Unless you have to have them on all the time, consider allowing participants to turn off their videos. They will feel less pressured about their movements. You can still monitor what is happening by asking questions, using breakout rooms, polls or asking for videos on at specific times.

For more tips on running remote teams, working from home and other communication tips, check out LearningPlanet's microlearning videos.