Zoom Fatigue Isn’t the Problem—It's a Convenient Scapegoat

Lately, it feels like everyone’s talking about “Zoom fatigue,” blaming video calls for the exhaustion they’re feeling. But let’s take a step back. Is Zoom really the problem? Or is it just an easy scapegoat for much deeper issues within our workplaces and organizations?

Proponents of the Zoom fatigue narrative argue that constant video calls drain us because of excessive eye contact, seeing ourselves on-screen, limited mobility, and increased cognitive load. Sure, there’s truth to these factors. But are they really the root of our exhaustion? Or are we just avoiding the real problems at play?

Here’s why we need to stop jumping on the Zoom fatigue bandwagon and start addressing the actual issues behind our burnout:

1. Blame Overload, Not the Medium

Let’s be honest—our work culture has always had a problem with overload, even before video calls became the norm. Long, pointless meetings have existed forever, and now that we’re doing them online, it’s easy to shift the blame to Zoom instead of confronting our inability to manage time effectively. The real question is: Why are we scheduling back-to-back meetings without any room for a breather? Why are we so afraid to cut down on unnecessary discussions?

The solution isn’t fewer Zoom calls—it’s fewer meetings, period. Zoom fatigue isn’t the cause; it’s a symptom of poor time management and the need for boundaries around communication. Fixing our meeting culture will do more for our mental health than turning off our webcams.

2. Stop Using Video Calls as a Measure of Productivity

One reason people feel drained by video calls is the pressure to always be “on.” But that pressure didn’t come with Zoom—it’s the result of a culture that equates visibility with productivity. If your organization expects you to be present and engaged on camera all day, that’s not Zoom’s fault—it’s a leadership issue.

True productivity doesn’t come from being glued to a camera; it comes from being trusted to manage your work effectively, whether that means turning off the video and focusing or using different communication tools that better fit the task. Leaders need to stop using video calls as a crutch for micromanagement and start building a culture of trust and flexibility.

3. Exhaustion Isn’t New—It’s Just Being Amplified

People love to act like Zoom fatigue is a new phenomenon, but the reality is that many of us were already feeling burned out before video calls took over. Endless emails, constant Slack pings, and late-night work sessions have always been part of our professional lives. Zoom just brought all those stressors into one place and made them harder to ignore.

So, instead of blaming Zoom, let’s ask why we’ve created a work environment that doesn’t respect boundaries. Why do we feel the need to be available 24/7? Why are meetings getting scheduled over lunchtime or late into the evening? Addressing the systemic issues around work-life balance is the real fix here—not turning off our cameras.

4. Video Calls Aren’t the Enemy—Bad Work Culture Is

Sure, video calls can be tiring, but they’re also an incredibly useful tool when used appropriately. They connect remote teams, foster collaboration, and allow for face-to-face interaction that we miss when working apart. But when we use them as a substitute for good management practices or to avoid confronting deeper issues, they become a problem.

If your team is feeling exhausted after a day of Zoom meetings, it might be time to reconsider how your organization is run rather than blaming the platform itself. Are we prioritizing meaningful work over constant status updates? Are we using the right tools for the right tasks, like email or chat for quick updates and video calls for deep discussions?

It’s time to stop blaming Zoom fatigue and start looking at how we work. Let’s get serious about creating work environments that respect our time, give us space to breathe, and allow us to be truly productive. Only then will the real fatigue—organizational fatigue—start to lift.

It’s easier to blame Zoom than to confront the bigger picture, but if we’re serious about addressing fatigue, we need to dig deeper. Let’s stop hiding behind the idea of Zoom fatigue and start tackling the real problems head-on.