Zoom fatigue. We’ve all heard the term. I’m sure most of us have experienced it.
While virtual events have been around for quite some time, they proliferated as organizations switched to hybrid and remote work models. Now, the explosion of videoconferencing is tiring us out.
Employers should take notice of this fatigue. When employees are fatigued, productivity can fall, mental health can decline and the organization’s bottom line can suffer. Also, employees can leave. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 4.4 million people quit their jobs during February 2022.
With many workplaces maintaining hybrid and remote operations, employees continue to struggle with finding a healthy work-life balance. Working from the comfort of one’s own home can make it easy to schedule a few video calls after the typical workday ends. When working all hours becomes standard practice, negative emotions and distress can follow.
The prevalence of Zoom fatigue appears to be worse among women. In an April 13, 2021, article on their university’s website, Stanford researchers shared data showing one in seven women feel very or extremely fatigued after videoconferencing. Just one in 20 men reported the same degree of Zoom fatigue.
Why is this the case? The researchers pointed to self-focused attention. Women are more likely than men to focus on their own image while videoconferencing, which can trigger negative emotions such as anxiety.
So, how can leaders combat Zoom fatigue and optimize engagement during video calls? Here are some tips to engage and inspire team members during every virtual meeting.
Choose a Dynamic Speaker
Speaking live and speaking during a virtual event are very different. Even seasoned speakers have to completely rethink their approaches to engaging audiences over video and delivering memorable virtual experiences.
If you can, choose a speaker who is personable and dynamic. Next, understand that setting up any speaker for success starts with providing a space where they will not be distracted and can do their best.
Lighting is also crucial. All speakers should be lit in ways and shot at angles that make them look their best. A rule to follow is that light should cover a speaker’s face evenly from the front, sides and above.
Establish a One-On-One Connection Via the Camera
It is difficult to make a one-on-one connection with everyone in a virtual audience, but speakers can use the camera effectively. This starts with thinking about what their body language communicates. They should take time to position themselves properly, making sure their head, neck and shoulders are completely visible to viewers. They should also face the camera squarely.
While speaking, the presenter should imagine they are talking to a single person on the other side of the screen. Doing this lets every person in the audience feel like they are the person being addressed directly.
Engage the Audience
Knowing the audience will help a speaker deliver a valuable presentation. Mixing up the media is also key.
Studies show audiences struggle to maintain focus after listening to a speaker for 10 minutes. Varying the ways information is delivered will help regain viewers’ attention.
Show a short video clip or ask for responses to a poll question. Also make sure PowerPoint slides are pleasing to the eye and not densely packed with words. Do not rely on slides to tell the story; rather, show slides as cues for sharing details about the pictures or concepts being displayed. Changing things up goes a long way in communicating that your goal is to help audience members learn.
Use Breakout Sessions to Increase Engagement
Short presentations that include breakouts can pack a punch. For a one-hour meeting, consider presenting for 30 minutes and then providing the audience with a few questions to discuss in small groups for 15 minutes. When organizing the groups, assign a breakout room “champion” who will help facilitate the conversation. The champion can then report what was discussed when the entire audience reconvenes for the final 15 minutes of the meeting.
Choose the Right Platform
Consider alternatives to Zoom. The app is widely used due to brand recognition, but next-generation platforms for holding virtual meetings and events are available.
Look for a platform that puts you in control of immersive and engaging events and meetings in a simple way. You also want a platform that allows you to create events in minutes, not days.
Above all, choose a platform that enhances the audience experience with emojis, chats, immersive 3D environments, live video, real-time Q&As and instant polls. A platform that offers these capabilities will best ensure your message is heard and people will look forward to your next event or meeting.
While we are all taking some steps toward returning to prepandemic routines, the work-from-home lifestyle will not fade away in the foreseeable future. For this reason, leaders should work to find solutions that increase employees’ comfort and engagement as they work remotely. Chief among the needed solutions are videoconferences that keep people engaged.
01 May 2022
Category
HR News Article