How To Cope With Zoom Overload: Switch Off Your Video
We have been 100% virtual for almost 2 years and Zoom fatigue is real. Full disclosure, Zoom fatigue was real in my home office a couple weeks into the shelter-in-place order.
So how can you reduce the impact of Zoom calls on your day?
SWITCH. OFF. VIDEO.
It really is that simple. It’s effective too; there is extensive research on the benefits of audio-only meetings, particularly for women and new employees, who may already feel they are held to higher standards of appearance and expression at work.
Yes, this flies in the face of received wisdom at the beginning of the pandemic, when videocalling platforms such as Zoom were instantly so ingrained they became verbs. Many of us began to make videocalls to colleagues and family members we had previously only ever voice called. We assumed it would help us to feel a little more connected. It turns out we were wrong.
We get distracted by faces
Visual cues such as facial expression and body language can serve as distractions when reading emotion in others. Tone of voice is a proven and pure signal of emotions, and all you really need in most long-distance conversations.
We’re dumber on video calls
If you are working in pairs, research indicates a higher collective intelligence if you are communicating via phone versus video.
Video calls make us less inclusive
When audio-only in a group meeting, you are giving everyone a chance to be included in the conversation. When we hear voices we are more likely to pause and let others speak. When the camera is on, there is a less even turn-taking of voices.
Take a break from it and feel the difference
Emotional exhaustion significantly decreases after one week of video-free meetings because the pressure of worrying about your appearance is removed.
Some meetings necessitate using video and some do not. Feel free to experiment with video and audio to determine which works best in each specific context. At the very least, try covering up your face so you can’t get distracted by your own expressions. Looking at your own face while talking to others is undeniably weird.
Video has been crucial for me when facilitating training for groups. With my individual coaching sessions, I always offer the opportunity for a phone call in place of Zoom. When I am meeting someone to brainstorm, I suggest a walking meeting, where we are both walking in nature as we share ideas.
Tell me your zoom fatigue tips in the comments. Or, if you need more help with reducing burnout and maintaining employee wellness at a distance, get in touch with me.
