What is Zoom fatigue?

Zoom fatigue is the burnout or physical exhaustion associated with the overuse of video meetings. It can result from factors such as increased cognitive load, constant eye contact, self-consciousness from seeing oneself on camera, and lack of movement during virtual meetings. This phenomenon became especially common with the rise of remote work and frequent virtual interactions.

What causes Zoom fatigue?

Zoom fatigue is rooted in the nature of virtual interactions. Several factors contribute to Zoom fatigue, including:

1. Cognitive overload

Unlike face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings require participants to process a higher volume of nonverbal cues through a screen. The brain works harder to decode facial expressions, tone of voice and body language, all while dealing with potential technical issues. Being in such a constant state of hyper-awareness can be overwhelming and leave employees mentally exhausted after a few hours of meetings.

2. Excessive eye contact

During video calls, the unnatural level of eye contact with others and yourself can create a heightened sense of stress. It can be particularly draining because participants feel they are constantly on display, potentially increasing anxiety and fatigue.

3. Reduced mobility

Virtual meetings usually require participants to remain seated, potentially leading to physical discomfort and contributing to overall fatigue. Sitting for prolonged periods without movement can cause tension in the body, particularly in the neck, back and shoulders.

4. Continuous partial attention

The nature of remote work often means employees are juggling multiple tasks at once. It’s tempting to multitask during Zoom meetings — checking emails, writing lists, responding to messages or working on other tasks, but this results in divided attention. Splitting focus can reduce the effectiveness of the meeting and potentially increase mental load.

5. Lack of social interaction

The absence of casual, non-work-related conversations that naturally occur in an office setting can make virtual meetings feel more transactional and less engaging. As such, this might cause a sense of isolation and disconnection among colleagues, further exacerbating fatigue.

Related: 9 Ways to Encourage Virtual Water Cooler Talk

How to combat Zoom fatigue

To address Zoom fatigue, employers should implement strategies that prioritize the wellness of their teams. Below, you’ll find several strategies that can help reduce the impact of video conferencing burnout.

1. Ask yourself, is that meeting necessary?

Before scheduling a Zoom meeting, consider whether it’s truly necessary. Not all communications require a video call. Sometimes, a quick phone call, an email or a message on a collaboration platform like Slack can be more efficient and less taxing on employees. Encourage team members to critically evaluate their need for video meetings and opt for alternatives when appropriate.

For example, if you realize that daily meetings are contributing to Zoom fatigue, shifting to a weekly video meeting schedule and posting daily updates in a shared document could reduce the burden of Zoom draining. Additionally, having fewer video meetings can help you improve productivity, as employees will have more uninterrupted time to focus on their tasks.

2. Promote regular breaks

Incorporating regular breaks between meetings is necessary to prevent Zoom fatigue. Encourage employees to take short breaks between calls to rest their eyes, stretch and clear their minds. Implementing a policy that encourages a minimum of 10 minutes between consecutive meetings can give employees the necessary time to recharge.

Consider implementing a 10-minute rule, where all Zoom meetings end 10 minutes before the next hour, giving team members a break to step away from their screens before resuming their duties. This can help reduce eye strain and mental exhaustion, and the team will likely feel more energized and engaged during meetings.

3. Optimize meeting length and frequency

Long, back-to-back meetings can be a major contributor to Zoom fatigue. To combat this, consider shortening the duration of meetings and spacing them out throughout the day. Additionally, try to consolidate discussions into fewer, more focused meetings rather than spreading them across multiple sessions.

For example, you might realize that their weekly team meetings can last up to two hours. Breaking these meetings into shorter, 30-minute sessions focused on specific topics reduces the overall meeting time and helps participants stay more engaged and creative.

4. Encourage active participation and engagement

Keeping employees engaged and upbeat during Zoom meetings is one of the best ways to reduce fatigue. Encourage interactive elements such as polls, breakout rooms or collaborative exercises that allow participants to actively contribute rather than passively listen. Doing so keeps the meeting dynamic and helps participants maintain focus and interest.

Teams might incorporate breakout rooms into their Zoom meetings for small groups to discuss specific tasks or challenges before reconvening to share insights. This approach can increase engagement and lead to better collaboration and problem-solving.

5. Implement flexible work arrangements

Flexibility in work schedules can help employees manage their time more effectively and reduce the pressure of constant video meetings. Consider adopting a hybrid work model that allows individuals to choose when they attend video meetings and when they work independently. This flexibility can help balance the demands of virtual meetings with the need for focused, uninterrupted work time.

You could try adopting a hybrid work model, where employees vote to choose two days a week to work without any scheduled meetings. In addition to empowering team members, providing this flexibility gives them time to dedicate toward deep work and personal projects, improving job satisfaction and reducing burnout.

6. Allow employees to turn off their cameras when needed

For some employees, being on camera during video meetings can add to their stress and fatigue. Allowing team members the flexibility to turn off their cameras when they feel it’s necessary can reduce feelings of self-consciousness and pressure, helping them focus on the meeting content instead of their on-screen presence.

For example, you might encourage a “camera-optional” policy for routine meetings or check-ins, allowing employees to choose when they feel comfortable being on camera. This can help create a more relaxed environment and make it easier for participants to engage without the added strain of constant video visibility.

Moving toward a healthier work environment

Zoom fatigue is a real issue in today’s work environment, but it’s avoidable. Learning the causes and implementing thoughtful strategies are the best ways for organizations to reduce the burden of virtual meetings. In turn, you can cultivate a healthier, more productive and more collaborative workforce.