Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, professionals are more on video calls than ever before. Many are finding it exhausting. Over the last few months, mentions of ‘zoom fatigue’ have increased in Google searches and social media posts. In this article at The Muse, Kate Bratskeir explains some tips to fight ‘zoom fatigue.’
Why Are Video Calls Draining?
On a video call, employees must work harder to process non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language, and tone and pitch of the voice. Paying attention to these cues demands a lot of mental energy.
Ways to Beat the Fatigue
Avoid Multitasking
While on a video call, it is tempting to pull up another window and browse your emails. However, studies reveal that multitasking can cost you up to 40% of your productive time and lead to memory issues. Focus your attention 100% on the video call until it is over.
Follow an Agenda
Sometimes video calls can drag on much more than they need to. To keep meetings on track, share an agenda with everyone on the call. That way, everyone knows exactly what is expected of them, the time duration, and what the meeting will cover.
Choose Alternative Communications
Not all meetings require actual face-time—sometimes, a phone call is sufficient. You can attend phone calls from anywhere. This allows for more flexibility. Employees do not have to dress up for the call, with added stressors of working from home.
Schedule Breaks
If you have control over your meeting schedule, ensure not to pack it with back-to-back video meetings. Give yourself a break from video calls. It is helpful to have at least a 10-minute gap between appointments so you can fully wrap up one before moving to the next.
To read the original article, click on https://www.themuse.com/advice/tips-fight-zoom-fatigue.
