Video calls can be more exhausting than we realize, and it's not just in our heads. You know that feeling when you've been spending endless hours in virtual meetings, and you start yearning for some good old face-to-face interaction? Well, that's what experts call "Zoom fatigue."
Recent research conducted by Austrian universities decided to delve into the effects of video conferencing on our minds and bodies. They did something pretty interesting - they equipped participants with fancy gadgets like EEG and EKG monitors and had them dive into Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms.
The results were quite revealing.
The EEG data showed that our brain signals work extra hard during online meetings. They jump into higher-level frequencies, associated with concentration, attention, and yes, you guessed it, stress. So, if you've been feeling like video calls require extra effort, you're not alone.
Moreover, the study detected changes in heart rate variability, indicating that fatigue creeps in as online meetings progress.
Now, before you decide to ditch video meetings forever, let's look at the bigger picture. The study focused on university students, not office pros, and it all happened on a campus, not in the comfort of home offices. So, there could be variations based on age and environment.
But the takeaway here is that whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, video conferencing can take a toll on your body. So, yes, video conferencing fatigue is real.
So, what can businesses do to keep reaping the benefits of video conferencing without driving their employees up the virtual wall?
- Use Collaboration Tools: Consider using tools like Teams, Slack, or good old email to reduce the need for real-time video meetings. This gives your team the flexibility to respond when it suits them best.
- Schedule In-Person Meetings: When it's safe and practical, opt for in-person meetings. Nothing beats the personal touch of a face-to-face conversation, and it's a breath of fresh air compared to the virtual world.
- Communication Preferences: Have an open conversation with your employees about how they prefer to communicate. Some may thrive in video meetings, while others may prefer written updates or phone calls.
- Keep Meetings Short: When you do have video meetings, make them short and sweet. Avoid back-to-back calls and allow time for breaks to prevent burnout.
In a nutshell, don't toss out your webcam just yet. Instead, take a step back, assess your communication methods, and find the right balance to keep your team engaged and energized.
Feel free to get in touch if you're looking for tech tools to boost productivity and engagement. We're here to help!
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
(TYYV) The Yada Yada Version:
Video calls can be surprisingly tiring, and yada yada yada try some solutions for a healthier balance.
