You’re Not Imagining It: Video Calls Really Are Stressful

We’ve all felt it...that drained, spaced-out feeling after a long day of video calls. Maybe your eyes are tired, your head’s buzzing, and you’d do anything to avoid just one more Teams meeting. You’re not alone, and it turns out science backs you up.

Welcome to the very real phenomenon known as Zoom fatigue.

Whether you’re using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, spending hours on virtual calls can take a serious toll — not just on your mind, but also on your body.

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The Science Behind Zoom Fatigue

A recent study from several Austrian universities set out to investigate the impact of video conferencing on brain and body activity. Using EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) monitors, researchers observed how participants responded during virtual meetings.

The Results Were Clear:

• Higher Brain Activity: EEG readings showed increased frequencies associated with stress, concentration, and cognitive overload and even more than during in-person meetings.
• Heart Rate Variability Declined: This is a sign of rising fatigue and lower resilience, meaning your body is working harder to keep up during a video call.
• Mental Effort Increased: The constant need to maintain eye contact, interpret facial expressions, and manage background distractions heightens cognitive load.

In short? Video meetings make your brain work overtime.

Why Are Video Calls More Draining?

1. Cognitive Overload

On video, your brain is constantly scanning faces, managing audio lag, watching yourself on screen, and interpreting non-verbal cues — all at once. It’s exhausting.

2. Lack of Breaks

Back-to-back video calls, especially without time to reset, amplify fatigue and reduce focus. Unlike in-person meetings, there’s often no "walk between rooms" or water cooler chat to decompress.

3. Hyper-Awareness of Appearance

Seeing yourself on screen constantly makes people self-conscious — which can increase anxiety and reduce natural communication flow.

So, What Can Businesses Do?

If you're running a business and noticing your team is burning out from screen time, it's time to take action. Here’s how you can reduce Zoom fatigue and still maintain great communication and productivity:

✅ 1. Switch to Asynchronous Communication

Not everything needs to be a meeting. Tools like:

• Microsoft Teams
• Slack
• Email
  … allow for flexible, non-real-time communication. Let your team respond when it suits them best — especially for status updates or casual collaboration.

✅ 2. Keep Video Calls Short & Intentional

Stick to:

• Clear agendas
• 30-minute time limits
• Breaks between calls

Avoid unnecessary check-ins and replace recurring meetings with summary emails when possible.

✅ 3. Mix In-Person with Remote

If feasible, schedule occasional in-person meetings or co-working days to strengthen team bonds and reduce digital fatigue.

Want help balancing remote and in-office collaboration? Check out our IT support services for hybrid work solutions.

✅ 4. Use Tech That Supports Your Team, Not Stresses Them

Use intuitive tools that reduce friction, not add to it. From Microsoft 365 integrations to secure cloud file sharing and task management platforms, choosing the right digital toolkit can make a huge difference.

✅ 5. Have an Open Conversation

Encourage your team to share what works best for them, whether it’s video calls, phone chats, or written updates. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work anymore, especially for neurodiverse or remote teams.

⚖️ Finding the Balance: Video, Voice, and Flexibility

We’re not saying to ditch video calls altogether, they still play an important role in collaboration and relationship-building. But like any tool, they need to be used strategically.

The goal? A hybrid communication model that combines:

• Efficient video calls when needed
• Asynchronous updates where possible
• In-person touchpoints when safe and practical

This not only reduces Zoom fatigue but also helps employees feel more in control of their time and mental energy.

🤝 Need Help Choosing the Right Communication Tools?

If your business is struggling with video meeting burnout or you want to optimise your remote workflows, we can help.

Our team offers tailored IT support for UK businesses, including:

• Collaboration tool setup (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack)
• Microsoft 365 integration and training
• Secure cloud and communication platforms
• Hybrid working solutions

📣 Final Thoughts

Zoom fatigue is more than just a buzzword - it’s a real, measurable impact on productivity, morale, and wellbeing. By adapting your tools and communication style, you can build a happier, healthier workplace that keeps your people engaged without burning them out.

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