Zoom Fatigue?

Have you heard anyone complain of exhaustion after video conferences? If someone mentions ‘Zoom fatigue’ do you roll your eyes with the same skepticism a teacher feels when hearing, ‘the dog ate my homework’? In fact, one of my clients recently said these words in a mocking tone of voice when complaining about a team member’s rationale for low sales results as if Zoom fatigue couldn't possibly be real. But it is.

Those of you fortunate to 1) have a job and 2) to be doing that job from the relative comfort and safety of your home (and my heart goes out to everyone else), may have discovered that video meetings (whether using Zoom, MS meetings, Google Meet, Webex or others) can be exhausting in a peculiar way that face-to-face meetings aren’t. Given the pervasive use of video conferences these days, it is time we talked about how to improve them.

Why do they sap our energy?

We are accustomed to paying attention to variations in voice tone, facial expressions, and body language in helping us understand the words we hear. This often takes place at a subconscious level and explains why we understand that the simple word ‘oh’ can mean dismay, surprise, or delight depending on how we perceive that word being said. Minor changes in facial muscles and the set of one's shoulders, for example, become part of the social cues we pick up from others to make sense of communication.

In a video conference, these social cues become more difficult to detect, especially when meeting with more than one person. A few issues are worthy of note:

• Digitized communication - The way images are digitally encoded and synthesized introduces delays, blurring, freezing, and often jerky images. These problems are exacerbated by poor connections, slow internet speeds, and more recently, with the prevalence of virtual backgrounds.
• Eye contact –-Eye-to-eye contact is one of the most valuable ways we detect meaning in conversations and it is impossible to do via video chat. If you attempt to achieve it, your eye contact is with the camera, not the other person.
• Camera position - The angle of your camera can cause others to perceive you as looking down or up at them. Or, some place their camera to the side so while they’re looking at the screen, we’re gifted with a side view of their face. These camera angles can cause us to incorrectly perceive others as aloof, unresponsive, or uninterested.
• Lighting - It is often difficult to see people’s faces clearly, especially if you sit in front of a window or bright light source which causes your face to be in shadow.
• Number of participants – If viewing your meeting in ‘gallery’ mode, the more people included in a meeting, the smaller the ‘Hollywood Squares’ style boxes and faces become.

Given these issues, in a video chat, it's difficult to 'read’ one another which can result in our brains working harder to figure things out, even if this extra effort goes on below the conscious level. As Kate Murphy points out, these issues can cause you to feel edgy and tired without knowing why. Video chats can mess with our perception and hinder our ability to empathize and make connections. For some, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection.

Lastly, many are hyper-aware of how they look and sound during a video conference. In a face-to-face meeting is fairly easy to tell when others are paying attention to us, but not so on videoconference. You may feel that ‘all eyes are on you’ which can add to the discomfort and vague sense of anxiety, particularly if you’re trying to make a good impression.

What can we do about it?

I've used Zoom A LOT over the past couple of years as I've taught online classes at USC (long before the pandemic) and led/participated in many meetings, webinars, and coaching sessions on this platform (and others). So here are a few ideas based on this experience.

• Schedule breaks between meetings – This is especially important for people who tend to have back-to-back video meetings. End meetings 5-10 minutes early to give people a chance to stretch, grab something to drink, and get some fresh air before their next meeting. It can make a huge difference.
• Video-free group meetings – Many managers request or require that people have their videos turned on which is wonderful in an era when we can’t physically see one another. But too much of a good thing can be a not-so-good thing. Mix it up and periodically give people the option to keep their cameras off. I know of a company that has video-free Wednesdays for this reason.
• Go old school and meet by phone – I often coach via both video and phone. With phone, there’s no visual distraction which can lead to a greater focus on what’s being said. I often walk away with better impressions and ideas when on the phone.
• Look directly into the camera for important points – When you look into the camera, it gives people the sense you’re looking into their eyes which will help them ‘read’ what you’re saying more clearly.
• Fix your camera and lighting – The camera should be as close to eye level as possible so you’re looking straight into it. An external camera can help. Ideally, position the camera so it's just above your screen so your eyes can quickly travel from the participants to the camera. Experiment with various lights and shade/curtain settings to ensure that your facial features are as visible as possible.
• Conduct periodic standing meetings – If you can, stand during meetings on occasion. It helps you maintain energy and if you’re in charge, it often leads to shorter meetings.

Here’s to better, shorter, less-tiring, and more productive meetings! Please share other ideas that you’ve found works for you and your company. How can we improve our video conference life?

#zoom, #zoomfatigue, #zoommeeting, #videoconference, #bettermeetings, #remotework, #workfromhome, #stressmanagement

Robin Elledge is a leadership and executive coach and the founder of Janus Coaching + Consulting (januscoach.com). She would enjoy a conversation about how having a coach can support you. Robin takes an outcomes-based approach to her work, partnering with clients to enhance their self-awareness and help them identify, develop, and demonstrate the actions needed to achieve their goals and aspirations. Intrigued? [email protected] 310-439-1186