Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, employees spend time on video calls more than ever before. And many people find it exhausting. But what exactly is it, that makes video calls harder compared to face-to-face meetings?
Being on video calls requires more focus than a face-to-face chat. We need to work harder to process non-verbal cues like facial expressions, the tone of the voice, and the body language. The minds being together, when the bodies are not, causes a dissonance that is exhausting. You cannot relax into the conversation naturally.
Another challenge of these calls is the silence. In a real-life conversation silence creates a natural rhythm. In a video call however, people become anxious about the technology, and it makes them uncomfortable. The delay of a responder can make people perceive the other as less friendly or focused.
Also, when we are physically on camera, we are aware of being watched. On a video call you can feel like on stage, everybody watches you and there is a social pressure like you need to perform. Being performative is stressful. It is also hard not to look at your own face when you see it on your screen. Studies have shown that there is an increase in interest for cosmetic surgery during the pandemic because people keep looking at their own face during video calls. It is referred to as the “Zoom Boom”.
In addition to these stressors our current circumstances of lockdown, quarantine and working from home also contribute to feeling more fatigued. The video calls are also a reminder of the people we have temporarily lost. Every time you see a colleague online, it reminds you that we should really be in the workplace together. We are all experiencing a disruption of the familiar context during the pandemic.
Different aspects of our lives that used to be separate, such as work, friends and family are now all happening in the same space. People have different social roles in different places. Now they are all confined in our own space with the only space for interaction over a computer window. It’s like meeting your work colleagues and boss, your parents or someone you date in the same bar. It feels weird.
Another factor of tiredness is the lack of downtime after a day’s work and family commitments. Some people also have higher expectations on themselves due to the worries over the economy and job losses.
Virtual catchups with colleagues after work can be fun but might also add to the stress. It matters whether you join in for fun, or whether you see it as an obligation, which adds to the time you are “on” as opposed to getting a break.
Large group calls can feel particularly tiring because it is like watching television and television is watching you. Your mind cannot wander off because you feel like you need to perform. It is also depersonalizing, because your power as an individual is diminished.
Zoom fatigue can be alleviated by having more understanding that cameras do not always have to be on throughout each meeting. It can also help to have your screen off to the side, instead of straight ahead. Sometimes shared files with clear notes may be better options than video calls too. It is also recommended to allow time to catch up in a video call before diving into business. Boundaries and transitions between meetings are important as well. Some exercises or a drink between calls can help putting one identity aside and then go to another as we move between work and private meetings.
