As the world adjusts to live post-COVID-19, it’s clear that video conference calls will continue. For many companies, the pandemic proved that a Zoom conference call is often more efficient, cost-effective, and timesaving than an in-person meeting.
That said, Zoom burnout is a real thing and your team will need to actively take steps to prevent Zoom draining for remote workers. Here are 7 ways to curb Zoom exhaustion.
1. Be Firm About Stop Times
If possible, avoid leaving calls open-ended. Let meeting organizers know that there will be a planned stop time that will be adhered to. Begin letting attendees know 5-10 minutes in advance of the end of the meeting and start wrapping things up.
2. Leave Breaks In Between Calls
Don’t schedule back-to-back video conference calls if you can help it. Leave breaks in between to get a drink, something to eat, or just to catch your breath and file away the information you just absorbed during the meeting.
3. Go Outside
If you can, go outside during your breaks. Don’t spend them at the computer screen, or you’ll likely feel like you didn’t really have a break at all. Even if it’s just for a few minutes to get a breath of fresh air or to sit in the shade under a tree, the small change in your environment can help reinvigorate you and prevent Zoom burnout.
4. Avoid Multitasking While on Zoom Calls
If you’re on a Zoom conference call, it may be tempting to try to multitask to get other things done at the same time. However, this is a big contributor to Zoom draining. Ideally, your remote meetings will be short and focused enough that you can stay on track during the presentation and avoid Zoom exhaustion before the end of the meeting.
5. Find Creative Ways to Reduce the Number of Meetings
Whenever you can, make a meeting an email. Post a memo instead of gathering everyone together on a video call if you’re simply going over updates or informing employees of new policies.
It can be difficult switching out of meeting mode when working remotely and you may be tempted to get on a call at every chance to make it feel more like your team is together. However, this takes away from the time they have to focus on completing work, which is counterintuitive to your overall business goals.
If you need to be able to communicate with your team instantly, consider implementing an IM feature that allows you to chat live with staff members in real time.
6. Switch Off Your Camera When You Can
Not all meetings require your visual presence on camera. When they don’t, switch your camera off and relax a little bit. You’d be surprised at how much energy it takes to appear put together on video versus attending the same presentation with only your audio on.
For example, you could introduce yourself on video at the beginning of the meeting, and then switch your camera off so you can focus on the person presenting the meeting material.
7. Drink Enough Water
Dehydration will cause fatigue and exhaustion anyway, even if you’re not spending the majority of your time on the computer having video calls. Staring at a computer screen can dry your eyes out and not drinking enough water will exacerbate stress headaches caused by extended exposure to electronics, keyboards, and screens.
Keep a glass by your desk at all times and fill it up with fresh water each time you get up. Don’t avoid drinking enough fluids so you can reduce the number of trips you have to excuse yourself from a Zoom conference call to go to the restroom. Your body needs hydration, and the call can wait.
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