Video chat is helping us stay employed and connected. But what makes it so tiring – and how can we reduce Zoom fatigue?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we’re on video calls more than ever before – and many are finding it exhausting.
But what, exactly, is tiring us out? BBC Worklife spoke to Gianpiero Petriglieri, an associate professor at Insead, who explores sustainable learning and development in the workplace, and Marissa Shuffler, an associate professor at Clemson University, who studies workplace wellbeing and teamwork effectiveness, to hear their views.
So how can we alleviate Zoom fatigue?
Both experts suggest limiting video calls to those that are necessary.
Turning on the camera should be optional and do not always have to be on throughout each meeting.
Take time during meetings to catch up before diving into business. “Spend some time to actually check into people’s wellbeing,” she urges. “It’s a way to reconnect us with the world, and to maintain trust and reduce fatigue and concern.”
Building transition periods in between video meetings can also help refresh us – try stretching, having a drink or doing a bit of exercise.
You can read more of what the experts say here:
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200421-why-zoom-video-chats-are-so-exhausting
