Zoom and other video platforms have no doubt been a necessity during the pandemic because they enabled seamless virtual collaboration, but we are just now starting to feel the video conferencing “hangover”. Studies show that prolonged video calls and excessive screen time can lead to employee burnout at a higher rate than in traditional in-person office environments. The groups feeling the most burnout—GenZ, Millennials, and women.
So why can a day full of Zoom meetings feel like being physically and mentally locked up? Here are some reasons why as well as some practical strategies for both employees and leaders to break free.
Why There’s a Zoom “Drain”
Increased Screen Time: Not Just for scrolling or Netflix binging anymore
Staring at screens for prolonged hours isn’t just tiring for our eyeballs; it’s downright exhausting for our overall well-being. The constant glow of our monitors blurs the lines between our work and personal lives, making it nearly impossible to unplug.
Instead of stretching our legs and taking a call while on a walk outside, the sun on our faces and feeling the breeze sweep across through our hair, we find ourselves peering at spreadsheets and nodding along to virtual meetings. It can feel as if you’re chained to your desk, with only slight breaks to run to the restroom or grab water.
Cognitive Load and Multitasking: Are you paying attention? Of course not.
Imagine juggling flaming torches, a few angry cats, and a hot cup of coffee without spilling a drop – that’s what a typical Zoom meeting feels like. Not only are we expected to be active listeners, but we also need to decode everyone’s muted body language, toggle screen sharing, and pray that our internet doesn’t glitch out at the worst possible moment. Yet even though we are giving Oscar-level performances to come off as “dialed-in we’re usually trying to answer a few emails or order some groceries through Instacart if we catch an opportunity to sneakily multitask.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve decoded when people are tuned out because I can see varying screens flashing in their blue-light glasses or watching their arms ever so gently moving up and down which means they’re typing on their keyboards.
Back-to-Back Meetings Can Feel Like a Prison: Stress loves a full calendar
The struggle is real when you can’t even take a bathroom break without feeling like you’re orchestrating a strategic prison escape. Forget about having a peaceful meal – it’s all about shoveling down a few nuts and chugging water like it’s the end of the world. And let’s not even get started on those moments when you’re racing from one virtual room to the next, hoping your internet connection doesn’t drop you like a hot potato in the middle of a crucial presentation. A Microsoft research study found that two straight hours of meetings result in cumulative stress. If meeting attendees were allowed to take a mental break or meditate, the brain had time to reset and avoid the buildup of stress.
Women Are Unequally Impacted: Time to break the makeup tax
It’s a well-known fact that most men can rock the just-rolled-out-of-bed look and still pull off an air of effortless charm during virtual meetings. But for women, it’s an entirely different ballgame. There’s the pressure to look camera-ready, which means diving into a whirlwind of grooming rituals and makeup applications that can rival a Broadway production. Time spent on trying to look “polished” and put together is time that could be spent on self-care, connecting with those in our households, or getting a heads start on work projects.
How Can We Get Out of Zoom Jail?
Bring Back Audio-Only Conference Calls: Let’s go retro
Remember the good old days when we didn’t have to worry about what our hair looked like or if we accidentally had spinach stuck in our teeth during meetings? Let’s bring back the beauty of the audio-only call. No more fussing over our appearance, just pure unadulterated focus on the conversation at hand. It’s like a mental spa day!
Encourage Self-Awareness and Boundaries: It’s time to say “no”
Let’s put an end to the “I’ll just reply to this one email at 11 p.m.” madness. It’s time to set boundaries and stick to them like our sanity depends on it (hint: it does!). Block off chunks of time on your calendar for some guilt-free self-care. Assess your comfort levels with these digital interactions – if you’re feeling drained, switch to a good old-fashioned phone call or even an email. It’s time to prioritize your mental well-being with fewer video meetings.
Promote Efficient and Focused Meetings: Less Zoom, more room
Employers, it’s time to embrace the concept of less is more. Implement “no-meeting” blocks or designated Zoom-free days to allow your employees the luxury of uninterrupted time for some deep work. It’s like giving them a golden ticket out of the virtual circus and into a serene oasis of productivity. Trust me, your employees will thank you – maybe with a bit more enthusiasm in their next virtual meeting.
In this era of digital inundation, it’s crucial to find a balance that allows us to harness the benefits of technology without sacrificing our mental well-being. Let’s break free from the chains of “Zoom Jail” and embrace a healthier, more sustainable way of working. Remember, a little less screen time can go a long way toward restoring our sanity and reigniting our passion for what we do best. Cheers to breaking free and reclaiming our work-life balance!
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