Way back in April, HBR had an article about Zoom fatigue. Who knew that, five months later, we would still be relying on video conferencing as the work from home (#WFH) mandate continued?
It may be time to revisit that online conferencing checklist. Here are HBR's five things to help minimize feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically drained after online meetings, workshops, or conferences.
Fatigue is different than tiredness, something which can be cured with a good night’s sleep. Fatigue is a pervasive lethargy, a lack of physical and mental energy and motivation.
Why are virtual meetings so exhausting? Many of us attended in-person meetings just as frequently but are surprised to find that online sessions are much more draining.
First, we have to focus much more intently to absorb information. There are no sidebar exchanges or quick, clarifying questions to the person sitting next to us.
Second, it is much easier to be distracted. Who can see that you are checking email, texting a friend, or reviewing a document? No one, that’s who. But while you are doing those things, you aren’t truly listening. And then there are interruptions from pets, spouses, and children who are also sharing the same space.
Last but not least, video requires a different level of showing our attentiveness. To prove that we are paying attention, we have to look directly at the camera. We aren’t granted the reprieve of the visual breaks we would be granted during in-person meetings.
Below are the five research-based recommendations HBR suggested to help alleviate, or at least minimize, Zoom fatigue.
It may be time to revisit that online conferencing checklist. Here are HBR's five things to help minimize feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically drained after online meetings, workshops, or conferences.
Fatigue is different than tiredness, something which can be cured with a good night’s sleep. Fatigue is a pervasive lethargy, a lack of physical and mental energy and motivation.
Why are virtual meetings so exhausting? Many of us attended in-person meetings just as frequently but are surprised to find that online sessions are much more draining.
First, we have to focus much more intently to absorb information. There are no sidebar exchanges or quick, clarifying questions to the person sitting next to us.
Second, it is much easier to be distracted. Who can see that you are checking email, texting a friend, or reviewing a document? No one, that’s who. But while you are doing those things, you aren’t truly listening. And then there are interruptions from pets, spouses, and children who are also sharing the same space.
Last but not least, video requires a different level of showing our attentiveness. To prove that we are paying attention, we have to look directly at the camera. We aren’t granted the reprieve of the visual breaks we would be granted during in-person meetings.
Below are the five research-based recommendations HBR suggested to help alleviate, or at least minimize, Zoom fatigue.
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