Virtual meetings have become a staple in the contemporary workplace, but many people find them tiring compared to face-to-face meetings. Why is this the case? Are we doing something wrong, or are virtual meetings inherently draining?
The pandemic has indeed accelerated the shift towards remote work and virtual meetings. To many, this appears as a seamless transition further embracing a digital world. However, underlying issues emerge when we fail to adapt our meeting practices to this new medium.
The shift from physical to virtual is not as straightforward as it may seem. Research highlights five major reasons responsible for our fatigue with virtual meetings, which we will explore further.
Multitasking is the first and most obvious issue on our list. In a face-to-face meeting, we concentrate our attention on the presenter and the other attendees. In a virtual setting, it's all too easy to lose focus and become distracted by other tasks.
Visibility plays a significant role too. The limited field of view in virtual meetings affects our ability to interpret non-verbal cues, which are vital for understanding and feedback.
Lack of mobility is another attributable factor to virtual meeting fatigue. Physical confinement to one's desk or couch can lead to exhaustion. Unlike physical meetings, there is minimal movement in virtual meetings which leads to physical discomfort over time.
Technical issues can also contribute to our virtual meeting fatigue. Unreliable internet connections, poor sound and video quality, and software issues can disrupt the flow of meetings and cause stress.
This constant attention to detail, worrying about both technical issues and our own visibility, can drain our energy levels. This can make virtual meetings feel much more draining than their physical counterparts.
The lack of a clear boundary between professional and personal life is another significant cause of stress, making virtual meetings feel more intrusive than beneficial.
Prolonged screen time is also a factor. Long working hours on screens can strain our eyes and cause headaches. Coupled with back-to-back virtual meetings, this can result in significant mental fatigue.
Finally, the impersonal nature of virtual meetings can lead to feelings of isolation and disengagement. The ‘human touch’ in communication is often missing, which can impact our ability to connect with others and enjoy our work.
But the question remains, can virtual meetings be improved?
Definitely! Several strategies can be implemented to improve the effectiveness of virtual meetings and reduce fatigue. Here are some suggestions.
Status quo biases can be addressed by consciously recognizing and adapting to the new medium. Defining a proper agenda, fostering an inclusive environment, encouraging participation, and incorporating breaks can significantly improve virtual meetings.
Promoting mobility during meetings can help alleviate physical discomfort. Encourage reaching for a glass of water, stretching, or even walking while in a non-video call.
Addressing technical issues is essential for facilitating productive meetings. Encouraging coworkers to use reliable, high-quality equipment can go a long way in reducing stress and frustration.
Creating a work-life balance can involve setting boundaries and preventing meetings from intruding on personal time. This can foster a healthier work culture, even in a virtual setting.
Lastly, incorporating more personal interaction and levity can help overcome feelings of isolation and disconnection. This can be as simple as sharing a funny story or partaking in human conversations before or after a meeting.
Virtual meetings are here to stay, and it's high time we adapt our work practices accordingly. By understanding the underlying causes of virtual meeting fatigue and implementing actionable solutions, we can make virtual meetings a more efficient and enjoyable experience.