With the shift to remote and hybrid work environments, video meetings have become an integral part of daily work life. From Zoom to Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, online meetings have allowed businesses to stay connected across locations and time zones. However, while these virtual tools make communication easier, they also come with a downside: virtual meeting fatigue.
This phenomenon, also known as online meeting fatigue or video meeting fatigue, refers to the exhaustion many people feel after long or frequent virtual meetings.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and consequences of meeting fatigue and provide practical tips on how to fight it and avoid it in the future. If you keep asking yourself, “Why do I hate Zoom meetings so much?” or “Why do online meetings make me sleepy?” we have some answers for you!
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What is meeting fatigue?
Meeting fatigue is the mental and physical exhaustion people experience after long or back-to-back meetings. Traditionally, this has been associated with in-person meetings, where focus, note-taking, and active participation can drain a person's energy over time. However, virtual meeting fatigue has emerged as a distinct phenomenon with the rise of virtual communication.
Main causes of virtual meeting fatigue
So, why are video meetings so exhausting? Unlike traditional meeting fatigue, virtual meeting fatigue—also known as Zoom meeting fatigue—brings a new set of challenges. In physical settings, people can read body language more clearly, engage in casual conversation, and even move around a bit. Virtual settings, on the other hand, remove these elements, intensifying the mental strain.
“The fatigue comes from the constant, intense focus required in virtual settings,” says Lachlan Brown, an organizational psychologist and founder of HackSpirit. “We’re receiving multiple stimuli—looking at screens, managing tech issues, and reading non-verbal cues that aren’t as clear online. This quickly overwhelms our mental bandwidth.”
With virtual meeting fatigue, causes can be split into three categories:
- Psychological factors: Virtual meetings limit personal interactions and increase cognitive load. Attendees must stay constantly attentive, and they may feel socially drained from the pressure to perform on camera, whether during small team calls or large presentations. As Brown points out, the back-to-back nature of these meetings “leaves no room for mental resets,” causing feelings of overwhelm.
- Physical factors: Sitting in front of a screen for hours on end also contributes to virtual meeting fatigue. Excessive screen time can lead to eye strain and headaches, while poor ergonomics, such as improper chair or desk setups, can cause discomfort. Physical inactivity also plays a role, as long virtual meetings can lead to stiffness and fatigue due to the lack of movement.
- Technological factors: Technical difficulties like lagging audio, dropped calls, and unclear video only add to the frustration. These disruptions create a barrier to smooth communication and increase stress levels. Additionally, the multitasking that virtual platforms encourage—such as checking emails or browsing the web during meetings—can further distract participants and reduce focus.
Virtual meeting fatigue symptoms
Video meeting fatigue affects more than just productivity—it can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health. “Psychological effects of virtual meetings are burnout and mental fatigue; employees may feel emotionally disconnected and stressed,” Brown says. “In addition to these psychological impacts, we also experience physical discomfort, specifically symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and even neck pain from poor posture.”
These physical and mental effects often feed off each other, creating a cycle of fatigue that can be hard to break.
To help you identify whether you're suffering from virtual meeting fatigue, watch out for these common symptoms:
- Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating; mental fog; forgetfulness; slower processing of information; and decision-making fatigue.
- Physical symptoms: Eye strain; headaches; neck pain; back pain; muscle tension; dry eyes; disrupted sleep patterns; and general fatigue.
- Emotional symptoms: Irritability; anxiety; emotional disengagement; frustration; decreased motivation; feelings of burnout; and stress.
The impact on the long run
The consequences of Zoom meeting fatigue can extend beyond daily discomfort. Over time, the constant cognitive and physical strain can result in chronic burnout, decreased productivity, and a decline in job satisfaction. Employees may become emotionally detached, which can affect team collaboration and communication.
Prolonged exposure to virtual fatigue can also lead to persistent physical issues such as headaches, back and neck pain, and even long-term eye strain. Additionally, the stress and anxiety caused by these meetings can spill over into personal life, affecting sleep quality, mental well-being, and work-life balance.
How to combat virtual meeting fatigue
If you’re an employee suffering from Zoom meeting fatigue, you can take proactive steps to alleviate stress on your body and mind. Here are some practical recommendations to help you feel better.
Prepare your work environment
Create a comfortable workspace that minimizes distractions. Ensure your seating supports good posture, adjust screen brightness to reduce eye strain, and keep your workspace cleaned and organized to enhance focus during virtual meetings.
Set clear meeting goals
One of the first steps to reducing virtual meeting fatigue is ensuring every meeting has a clear purpose. By defining objectives and creating a focused agenda, you can make sure meetings stay on track and avoid unnecessary detours.
Reduce screen time
Not all communication has to be done via video calls. If you can, encourage using hybrid meeting options or asynchronous updates. Brown says his team, for example, has “switched to asynchronous updates where possible to reduce the number of live calls.” Additionally, turning off cameras during certain meetings can ease the pressure of constant engagement and reduce mental strain.
Limit meeting length
Virtual meetings don’t need to drag on endlessly. “Currently, we have 20 minutes max for regular check-ins, with a strict agenda to avoid time-wasting,” Brown says. Reducing meeting durations keeps people focused and helps avoid unnecessary mental fatigue.
Take regular breaks
To help maintain focus and energy throughout the day, schedule regular breaks between meetings. You might want to try the Pomodoro Technique, which encourages working in intervals followed by short breaks.
Try it: Break your work into intervals of 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a five-minute break. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This technique can help structure your day, providing mental refreshment and preventing burnout.
Embrace mindfulness and physical movement
Incorporating mindfulness practices and physical movement into your breaks can also reduce virtual meeting fatigue. Stretching, breathing exercises, or even a quick walk between meetings can help you recharge both physically and mentally.
Bottom line
Virtual meeting fatigue is an increasingly common issue in today’s remote work environment, affecting both mental and physical well-being. By implementing effective strategies—such as setting clear meeting goals, encouraging interactivity, and promoting regular breaks—both employees and leaders can foster a healthier, more productive virtual workspace.
Remember, taking proactive steps not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to a more engaged and efficient team dynamic. Prioritizing mental energy and well-being is essential in navigating the challenges of virtual meetings, paving the way for a more sustainable and satisfying work experience.