The pandemic introduced a lot of new terms into our lexicon: social distancing, doomscrolling and you’re on mute! It also created a generation of Zoomers, for whom the feeling of Zoom fatigue is very real. So if you are suffering from Zoom fatigue, we’re here to offer a very simple solution to fix it.
What is Zoom fatigue?
As many offices went suddenly remote, Zoom became the tool of choice for many teams, and families to stay in touch via video conferencing. And while this was an incredibly valuable tool, it also quickly led to overuse. Hours spent at the computer, conversing on video, drained the life out of many people.
In the article by Jeremy Bailenson, he explains for possible explanations for Zoom Fatigue: “Excessive amounts of close-up eye gaze, cognitive load, increased self-evaluation from staring at video of oneself, and constraints on physical mobility.”
While the ability to see our colleagues face-to-face should bring us comfort, instead it leaves us overwhelmed. “On Zoom, behavior ordinarily reserved for close relationships—such as long stretches of direct eye gaze and faces seen close up—has suddenly become the way we interact with casual acquaintances, coworkers, and even strangers,” explains Bailenson.
Zoom definitely still has a place in the remote or hybrid office. But to avoid too much of a good thing, it’s important to look at alternatives that leave us less exhausted and more productive.
How to fix Zoom fatigue?
The answer should be pretty straightforward- spend less time on Zoom. However, many companies now rely on Zoom meetings to provide the human contact that their staff are craving. Zoom meetings also allow teams to communicate beyond just verbally. Plus, many managers want to be able to see their people to feel connected and to build trust.
So, what’s the solution?
By recognizing that not all collaboration has to be via video, we can start to look at alternatives. A collaborative virtual whiteboard is a great way to provide interpersonal contact, facilitate ideation, communication beyond the verbal and build trust and connections.
Best uses of a virtual whiteboard
While we recognize that Zoom meetings certainly have their place, it’s important to think about the types of meetings and collaborative sessions that could actually work better on a collaborative virtual whiteboard.
Brainstorming
You don’t need to see faces for a winning virtual brainstorming session, but you do need a space to share ideas. So switch your brainstorming meetings to a virtual whiteboard to allow your team to add sticky notes, scribble, add files or images with ease. You can even try one of our 15 different brainstorming templates to add some additional context. When it comes to brainstorming, visuals are worth a thousand words!
Design thinking
Brainstorm, prototype, iterate and solve problems creatively in the one place. You can easily facilitate remote Design Thinking sessions on a virtual whiteboard that are just as effective as if you were in the same room. Plus, our vast template library of business strategy tools will help you to better understand your customers through user personas, customer journey and empathy maps.
Check out this list of the best Design Thinking activities & tools for 2021.
Workshops and coaching
While workshops and coaching sessions may seem like obvious examples of when Zoom meetings are useful, in fact, these are the exact type of meetings that cause Zoom fatigue. Instead of asking participants to be on Zoom for the whole workshop, why not start with a brief introduction on Zoom, then move onto a collaboration space. This allows participants to stay engaged, without the pressure of the video. By creating interactive activities, break out rooms, and switching up the moderator role, you can keep everyone engaged without the fatigue.
Read more: How to keep control in virtual workshops
Avoid Zoom fatigue with Conceptboard
We know that technology has been our saving grace during the pandemic. So while Zoom is, and will remain, an indispensable tool in the workplace, moving some meetings away from video and onto a collaborative whiteboard space may just be the breath of fresh air your team needs right now. Discover about more ways to use a virtual whiteboard you in your remote or hybrid office in these articles:
- The five essentials to running great hybrid meetings
- 10 Steps To Effective Teamwork With The Team Canvas template
- Why Communication Is the Greatest Challenge for Remote Teams
If you want to see how Conceptboard can help your team work better visually, sign up for a free 30 day trial now.
