Tag Archives: Online Meeting

Nov2

What Is Zoom Fatigue And 3 Ways To Help Your Team Overcome It

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What Is Zoom Fatigue And 3 Ways To Help Your Team Overcome It

Fatigue, Merriam – Webster defines it as “weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress.” Another more apt definition is “a state or attitude of indifference or apathy brought on by overexposure.” We’ve been constantly exposed to unprecedented disruptions that being tired is part of the new normal. This pandemic has left us in different states of fatigue that has spawned a few Covid-19 era terms such as: lockdown fatigue, Covid fatigue, and the newest addition to this trend, Zoom fatigue.

Due to remote work and virtual learning, the use of video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and similar platforms have skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic. The feeling of being anxious and overwhelmed, and generally being tired of jumping on back-to-back calls for work or for school has been coined as Zoom fatigue. This term was coined because Zoom has been the most popular platform. However, this can happen on any video conferencing app.

If you think you or anyone from your team (or even your classmates) is experiencing Zoom fatigue, here are 3 ways to overcome it:

Pad your calls

If you’re using a booking link at work, pad your calls 5 to 10mins in between. This will ensure that you get a 5 to 10min break in between video calls. If you don’t use a booking app, you can manually block off time in your schedule for short breaks. Be absolutely protective of this break and let everyone know that you’re serious about not taking calls during this time. Suggest alternative times for people who push back. If you absolutely can’t get out of back-to-back meetings, consider taking mini audio-only breaks by minimizing the window, moving it behind another application, or (if permitted) turning off your camera.

Practice the 20-20-20 rule

Constant staring at the screen makes us hyper-aware and self-conscious. Without visual breaks, our brain can grow fatigued. In order to refocus, you must also give your eyes a break by trying out the 20-20-20 rule. It goes like this: For every 20 minutes you spend staring at a screen (any screen), take 20 seconds to look at something that is 20 feet away. This optometrist-vetted rule can help reduce eye strain, relax the eye muscles, and improve your eye health. 

Stick to the agenda

If you are hosting a meeting, send a well-prepared meeting agenda beforehand. This ensures that everyone attending the meeting knows what to expect beforehand. It also helps to keep you accountable for sticking to the agenda and making sure it does not go overtime. An agenda also helps set the efficiency of the flow of the meeting and shows that you respect other people’s time.

If you’re attending the meeting, hold the organizer accountable for sticking to the agenda and suggest that you practice timeboxing if you suspect that the meeting can go overtime. 

Have you ever experienced Zoom fatigue? How do you deal with it? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Sep13

Virtual Icebreakers For Your Next Team Meeting

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Virtual Icebreakers For Your Next Team Meeting

Icebreakers don’t have to be confined to just kids on their first day of school. An icebreaker is called that for a reason – it helps break the ice and helps facilitate the smoother flow of a conversation. More importantly, it also helps people connect on a more personal level. This could be a challenge in today’s environment when a lot of our meetings are held online.

Icebreakers are simply social opportunities for people to get to know each other. It gives all meeting participants the opportunity to be heard, especially since it’s so hard to interject during a team meeting. A good icebreaker can help you get over awkward silences and loosen everyone up before you get down to business.

Here are five virtual icebreakers you could use for your next team video huddle:

1. Where are you joining from?

This is especially fun for distributed teams who work in different locations. Have everyone share a visual of “the view from their office” and share a titbit about the place where they work. For example, even if it’s just trees outside, they can explain that beyond that is a beautiful park where they can take their pets for a walk.

2. What song on your playlist is on repeat?

Have people share their music recommendations by sharing which song is on loop. This allows people to talk about common interests because everyone loves music.

3. What is your favorite item on your desk?

Have attendees pick their favorite work item and hold it up for everyone to see. Then they can explain its “superpowers”, why they picked it out and how it helps them with work. For example, my favorite is a portable mini desk vacuum that looks like a computer mouse. It helps pick up crumbs and dust and keeps my desk clean. I use it on my desk before and after I start work to signal that I’m starting work and that I’m done with work.

4. Highs and Lows

This works best for teams that know each other relatively well because it involves some vulnerability. Have each person simply share their wins (high) and their challenges (low). This allows the team to celebrate their small wins and congratulate each other when something good happens in their lives. It also allows them to be there for each other during the low times and be able to give each other encouragement.

5. Virtual water cooler

This is great for break time. Icebreakers don’t have to be done during meetings. They can be done on breaks, too. This could be a chance to catch up with the teams during a coffee break and then have each person share what they’re drinking. Aim to chat about something other than work during virtual water cooler breaks.

How does your team break the ice? We’d love to hear your team’s go-to virtual ice breakers. Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp