Five Ways to Avoid Zoom Fatigue
As we officially entered the world of COVID-19 in March 2020, no one predicted “zoom fatigue” would dominate the fourth quarter of the year’s conversations. We published a blog about Zooming Over Zoom that included best practices for virtual meetings and ways to master the platform. Since workers around the globe embraced the virtual meeting application, numerous other reputable bloggers have written about Zoom fatigue: what it is, why we have it, and how it affects our brains.
With everyone forced to cancel in-person activities and operate online, a July 2020 poll reported that only 20% of professionals said they felt actively engaged in Zoom (online) meetings. Ever ask yourself: What can I do to avoid Zoom fatigue? or Why am I so tired of online meetings? If you have, then this blog is for you.
Don’t blame yourself or unengaged employees; Zoom calls force our brains to multitask more than in-person meetings. Instead of letting the subconscious brain pick up body language, the conscious brain struggles to analyze nonverbal cues as well as process the active discussion and contribute ideas. The human brain and body are naturally better at face-to-face meetings.
Here at Impact, we pride ourselves on developing creative solutions. Zoom fatigue challenges everyone, including us, so we identified a few unique ways to reduce multitasking, prevent fatigue, and side-step their adverse effects.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
1) Keep Water Cooler Breaks
The Impact office overflows with laughter and small talk. Zoom calls tend to become dry and straight-to-the-point. So, we purposefully step back and make our calls special. We bounce around the Zoom room to share our feelings and personal updates – one particularly memorable Zoom call was when Monique, Impact’s office manager, announced her engagement during a team touch-base session!
Team leaders can spark genuine conversation by asking about weekend plans, current events, or new hobbies. We always get back on topic, but these intentional breaks replicate our in-person conversations.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
2) Share Notes
Taking personal meeting notes spurs engagement. And sharing those notes raises the bar. Create shared folders after meetings to upload notes. Team members should review their notes and polish documents before posting. These additional steps increase comprehension and memory. Anyone who missed the meeting can review the notes to catch up as well. Supervisors should not grade notes like a teacher.
However, team members will likely take better notes when they know someone upstream intends to read them. Employees should also check each other’s notes for missed points or different interpretations.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
3) Go Hybrid
After Team Impact implemented our unique Reawakening Plan and returned to our Newark, NJ location, we began hosting hybrid meetings with in-person and remote associates.
Our in-office employees report that face-to-face meetings allow their creativity to flow more naturally. Their enthusiasm and communication uplift the entire meeting, and we call on our remote participants to ensure they remain engaged and feel valued. Of course, our in-person team members stay 6-10 feet apart and wear masks for safety.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
4) Get Moving
Data shows that walking meetings boost creativity and engagement. That said, why not bring those benefits to Zoom? Try these active meeting ideas: If possible, answer your Zoom call on your phone and move outside for a walk. For business calls that require a computer, some work from home employees opt to take their calls on a treadmill or stationary bike. Simply standing during a meeting increases creativity and focus.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
5) Take a Break
We know that Zoom meetings are unavoidable right now. But, if you are truly Zoomed out, schedule less of them. Make use of old-fashioned telephone conference calls. Alternatively, replace Zoom meetings with quick emails or comments on a shared document. Remember, take breaks from screens after work and find ways to recharge and rejuvenate.
We hope that these tips help you stay focused and fired up on Zoom. Give them a try and let us know what you think and share on our social channels – Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Lastly, be sure to download Impact’s free Reawakening Plan. Our thorough reopening guide serves as a benchmark for any organization’s safe reopening. Stay safe, wear a mask, and do your part so we can all return to the office in good health.
Your marketing momma,
Cheryl McCants ~ Impact President and CEO
Five Ways to Avoid Zoom Fatigue
As we officially entered the world of COVID-19 in March 2020, no one predicted “zoom fatigue” would dominate the fourth quarter of the year’s conversations. We published a blog about Zooming Over Zoom that included best practices for virtual meetings and ways to master the platform. Since workers around the globe embraced the virtual meeting application, numerous other reputable bloggers have written about Zoom fatigue: what it is, why we have it, and how it affects our brains.
With everyone forced to cancel in-person activities and operate online, a July 2020 poll reported that only 20% of professionals said they felt actively engaged in Zoom (online) meetings. Ever ask yourself: What can I do to avoid Zoom fatigue? or Why am I so tired of online meetings? If you have, then this blog is for you.
Don’t blame yourself or unengaged employees; Zoom calls force our brains to multitask more than in-person meetings. Instead of letting the subconscious brain pick up body language, the conscious brain struggles to analyze nonverbal cues as well as process the active discussion and contribute ideas. The human brain and body are naturally better at face-to-face meetings.
Here at Impact, we pride ourselves on developing creative solutions. Zoom fatigue challenges everyone, including us, so we identified a few unique ways to reduce multitasking, prevent fatigue, and side-step their adverse effects.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
1) Keep Water Cooler Breaks
The Impact office overflows with laughter and small talk. Zoom calls tend to become dry and straight-to-the-point. So, we purposefully step back and make our calls special. We bounce around the Zoom room to share our feelings and personal updates – one particularly memorable Zoom call was when Monique, Impact’s office manager, announced her engagement during a team touch-base session!
Team leaders can spark genuine conversation by asking about weekend plans, current events, or new hobbies. We always get back on topic, but these intentional breaks replicate our in-person conversations.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
2) Share Notes
Taking personal meeting notes spurs engagement. And sharing those notes raises the bar. Create shared folders after meetings to upload notes. Team members should review their notes and polish documents before posting. These additional steps increase comprehension and memory. Anyone who missed the meeting can review the notes to catch up as well. Supervisors should not grade notes like a teacher.
However, team members will likely take better notes when they know someone upstream intends to read them. Employees should also check each other’s notes for missed points or different interpretations.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
3) Go Hybrid
After Team Impact implemented our unique Reawakening Plan and returned to our Newark, NJ location, we began hosting hybrid meetings with in-person and remote associates.
Our in-office employees report that face-to-face meetings allow their creativity to flow more naturally. Their enthusiasm and communication uplift the entire meeting, and we call on our remote participants to ensure they remain engaged and feel valued. Of course, our in-person team members stay 6-10 feet apart and wear masks for safety.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
4) Get Moving
Data shows that walking meetings boost creativity and engagement. That said, why not bring those benefits to Zoom? Try these active meeting ideas: If possible, answer your Zoom call on your phone and move outside for a walk. For business calls that require a computer, some work from home employees opt to take their calls on a treadmill or stationary bike. Simply standing during a meeting increases creativity and focus.
Avoid Zoom Fatigue:
5) Take a Break
We know that Zoom meetings are unavoidable right now. But, if you are truly Zoomed out, schedule less of them. Make use of old-fashioned telephone conference calls. Alternatively, replace Zoom meetings with quick emails or comments on a shared document. Remember, take breaks from screens after work and find ways to recharge and rejuvenate.
We hope that these tips help you stay focused and fired up on Zoom. Give them a try and let us know what you think and share on our social channels – Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Lastly, be sure to download Impact’s free Reawakening Plan. Our thorough reopening guide serves as a benchmark for any organization’s safe reopening. Stay safe, wear a mask, and do your part so we can all return to the office in good health.
Your marketing momma,
Cheryl McCants, Impact president and CEO
