Why virtual meetings are so draining

[WORLD] In today's digital age, virtual meetings have become a cornerstone of professional interaction. With the shift toward remote work and hybrid models, platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have replaced in-person meetings. While these virtual meetings offer convenience and flexibility, many participants report feeling more drained after these sessions compared to traditional face-to-face interactions. But why is this the case? What makes virtual meetings so exhausting, even when they seem like a simple alternative to in-person communication?

In this article, we'll explore the psychological, emotional, and physical factors that contribute to the fatigue many people experience after virtual meetings. We'll also discuss strategies to mitigate this drain and create more engaging, productive virtual experiences.

The Cognitive Load of Virtual Communication

One of the primary reasons virtual meetings feel draining is the increased cognitive load associated with them. In face-to-face meetings, communication is more fluid. People can pick up on non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, which makes interactions feel more natural and less mentally taxing. In virtual meetings, however, the process becomes more fragmented.

"In virtual meetings, non-verbal cues are often lost or muted," says Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist specializing in workplace well-being. "This means people have to work harder to process the conversation, focusing on words and trying to interpret the meaning behind them without the usual body language or physical context." This increased mental effort can lead to a sense of exhaustion, as the brain works overtime to fill in the gaps of communication.

Moreover, video conferencing platforms limit how much of a person’s environment you can see. The reduced visual cues can create a sense of disconnection, leaving participants feeling less engaged and more mentally drained. This is often referred to as the “Zoom fatigue” phenomenon, a term that has gained significant attention over the past few years.

The “Hyperawareness” of Being on Camera

Another significant factor that contributes to the draining nature of virtual meetings is the constant awareness of being on camera. When you’re in a physical meeting room, you’re not constantly reminded of your appearance and behavior. In a virtual meeting, however, seeing yourself on the screen can cause self-consciousness. Many people become hyper-aware of their facial expressions, posture, and even the way they speak.

This phenomenon, known as "self-surveillance," can increase stress levels and contribute to mental fatigue. As you monitor your behavior to ensure you are coming across as professional or engaged, you expend additional energy, which can be exhausting over time.

"The ‘self-surveillance’ that occurs during virtual meetings can heighten anxiety and drain your mental resources," says Dr. Emily Williams, an expert in remote work dynamics. "When you’re constantly aware of being watched, even if no one is paying attention, it leads to cognitive overload."

The Lack of Social Interaction and the Energy Drain

Humans are social creatures, and meaningful interactions with others are essential for mental and emotional well-being. In a physical meeting, you can casually engage with colleagues before or after the meeting, offering opportunities for informal chats and bonding. These small moments of social connection recharge your energy and help alleviate stress.

In a virtual meeting, however, these spontaneous interactions are largely absent. You may log in, sit through the meeting, and then log out without any casual exchanges. This lack of social connection can lead to feelings of isolation, which, over time, contribute to emotional exhaustion.

Research has shown that social isolation can have significant negative effects on both mental and physical health. While virtual meetings may connect people in terms of communication, they can’t fully replace the benefits of in-person interaction, which is why many people report feeling more drained after virtual meetings than traditional ones.

The Physical Toll of Long Hours in Front of a Screen

Another important factor contributing to virtual meeting fatigue is the physical strain caused by long hours in front of a screen. Spending extended periods staring at a computer or smartphone can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, including eye strain, headaches, and neck pain. These symptoms, collectively referred to as “digital eye strain” or “computer vision syndrome,” are a common issue for remote workers who spend the majority of their day on video calls.

Moreover, many people tend to slouch or adopt poor posture during virtual meetings, exacerbating physical discomfort. This can lead to additional fatigue, making it harder to focus or stay engaged during meetings. The physical toll of virtual meetings is often overlooked, but it plays a significant role in why these sessions feel so draining.

The Speed of Communication and Decision-Making

Virtual meetings tend to have a different pace compared to in-person meetings. In face-to-face interactions, the flow of conversation is more organic, with pauses and silences that allow people to think, reflect, and process information. Virtual meetings, however, often have a faster pace, with participants feeling the need to speak up more quickly due to the limitations of video conferencing software.

This faster pace can make decision-making feel more pressured, leading to cognitive overload. When people feel rushed or forced to keep up with the flow of conversation, it can contribute to a sense of mental fatigue. The constant need to keep up with the conversation can leave participants feeling mentally exhausted, even if the meeting itself wasn’t particularly long.

The Impact of Technology Glitches

Another element that contributes to virtual meeting fatigue is the reliance on technology. Technical issues like poor internet connection, audio or video glitches, and software malfunctions can create frustration and add to the mental drain. These issues often cause delays, interruptions, or miscommunication, which makes it harder to focus on the content of the meeting. The constant worry about whether your microphone will work or if your internet connection will drop adds a layer of stress to the experience.

"The technical aspects of virtual meetings—such as glitches or connectivity issues—are often more mentally taxing than people realize," notes IT specialist Michael Thompson. "When technology doesn’t work seamlessly, it adds an element of unpredictability, forcing people to adapt and expend extra cognitive resources."

Strategies to Combat Virtual Meeting Fatigue

While virtual meetings are unlikely to go away anytime soon, there are strategies you can implement to help reduce the fatigue associated with them:

Limit Meeting Duration: Keep meetings as short as possible to reduce the cognitive load. If the meeting can be broken into smaller sessions, consider doing so to prevent burnout.

Take Breaks: Encourage participants to take breaks between virtual meetings. A few minutes to stretch, walk around, or rest your eyes can help recharge your energy.

Use Video Sparingly: While video can enhance communication, it can also contribute to fatigue. Use video only when necessary, and turn it off during portions of the meeting where it’s not crucial.

Encourage Engagement: Actively engage participants by asking questions, using interactive tools, or encouraging discussions to keep the meeting dynamic and less draining.

Improve Your Setup: Ensure that your home office or workspace is ergonomically sound to minimize physical discomfort during virtual meetings. Adjust your chair, monitor, and posture to reduce strain.

Create a Social Environment: When possible, build informal opportunities for interaction before or after meetings. This can help recreate some of the social benefits that are lost in virtual environments.

Virtual meetings have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we work, offering convenience and flexibility. However, as we’ve seen, they can also be mentally and physically draining due to factors like increased cognitive load, technology issues, and lack of social interaction. By understanding why these meetings can feel so exhausting, and by implementing strategies to mitigate the effects, we can create more productive, engaging, and less draining virtual experiences.

By incorporating these changes into our virtual meeting routines, we can ensure that our time spent online is as effective and energizing as possible, allowing us to continue to thrive in the digital workplace.