A significant portion of business meetings now occurs online, driven by the prevalence of remote work. However, many employees report feeling exhausted by these virtual meetings, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “Zoom fatigue.”
Recent research conducted in Austria sheds light on the physical and mental health effects of this fatigue, particularly among those who experience it.
The study involved 35 university students, and their brain and heart activity were measured using electrodes during a 50-minute lecture. Interestingly, the volunteers experienced the lecture in different ways: 18 attended in person, while 17 joined remotely.
The findings revealed that the impact of “Zoom fatigue” extends beyond a simple drop in energy. Participants in the videoconference version exhibited greater signs of sadness, drowsiness, and negativity compared to those attending in person. They also appeared less attentive and engaged.
“The participants felt significantly more tired, drowsy, and fed up as a consequence of participation in the videoconferencing session if compared to participation in the face-to-face session; moreover, they also felt less lively, happy, and active,” noted the researchers.
While the study acknowledges its limitations, such as a small sample size, it contributes to the growing body of scientific literature on the effects of frequent use of videoconferencing tools.
Psychologists and communication specialists agree that this technology disrupts concentration and natural conversational flow, limiting spontaneity. Additionally, the stress induced by the multitude of faces on the screen, especially in larger conference calls, can lead to discomfort or a desire to escape.
In response to these findings, the study recommends companies adopt strategies to enhance the remote meeting experience. Suggestions include incorporating breaks after 30 minutes, as significant changes in physiological and subjective fatigue were observed after 50 minutes of videoconferencing. Utilizing features like ‘speaker view’ to reduce the intensity of continuous eye contact is also recommended.
Study co-senior author René Riedl emphasizes the importance of not downplaying “Zoom fatigue” and encourages companies to view videoconferencing as a potential supplement to face-to-face interaction rather than a complete substitute. This perspective underscores the need for businesses to explore ways to make remote meetings more enjoyable and considerate of the well-being of participants.
