It Is Not Your Imagination: Video Calls Can Be Stressful

Have you ever felt like you spent too much time on video calls and virtual meetings? Do you find yourself longing for some much-needed human interaction? What you are experiencing is called Zoom fatigue.

It turns out there is scientific evidence to validate what many have been experiencing.

Researchers from Austrian universities recently conducted a study to uncover the impact of video conferencing on our physical and mental well-being. Participants were equipped with EEG and EKG monitors, and various online platforms, including Zoom and Microsoft Teams were put to the test.

The results were quite revealing.

EEG measurements showed a significant increase in higher-level brain signal frequencies associated with concentration, attention, and stress during online meetings compared to in-person encounters. So, these issues are not just your imagination – those video calls are really making you work harder to stay focused.

Furthermore, the study unveiled changes in heart rate variability, indicating signs of ongoing fatigue throughout the duration of an online meeting.

Before you decide to bid farewell to video meetings forever, it is essential to consider the study’s context. The participants were university students on campus, not corporate professionals in their work or cozy home offices. Therefore, there may be some variations based on age and environment to consider.

However, the key takeaway here is that the mode of communication, whether face-to-face or through a screen, can have a significant impact on the human body. So even if you are not a 24-year-old college student on campus, video conferencing fatigue is a real phenomenon.

For businesses looking to retain the benefits of video conferencing without overwhelming their employees and driving them up a virtual wall, here are some strategies to implement:

1. Explore collaboration tools such as Teams, Slack, or email to reduce the need for real-time video meetings, allowing your team to respond at their own pace.
2. Whenever possible, schedule in-person meetings when it is safe and practical to do so. This will provide a refreshing escape from the virtual world.
3. Engage in open discussions with your employees about their communication preferences. Some may thrive in video meetings, while others may prefer written updates or phone calls.
4. Keep video meetings concise and allow breaks between them to prevent burnout.

The message is clear: hold onto your webcam, but take a step back, evaluate your communication techniques, and strike the right balance to keep your team engaged and motivated.

Can we assist you in locating the tech tools to keep your employees productive and engaged? Get in touch.