How to Avoid Video Call Fatigue
Video calls can be more tiring than face-to-face meetings. We share with you our tips on avoiding fatigue and feeling energized for every working day.
If you feel tired at work every day, it might be that your video call technique needs to be perfected. We also need to be asking ourselves whether we are using the right tools to interact with colleagues remotely. Most employers will tell you that seeing someone’s face when speaking to the increasing engagement but having to put your best face on all day long can be exhausting. This might not be the case for extroverts but for introverts, video calls can create anxiety, and still be nerve-racking trying to get your point across in a confident way.
Technology provides us with many tools to be able to communicate with people but figuring out a way to use these tools that work best for you will help to avoid feeling exhausted. Here are 4 ways that you could do video calls better:
Preparation
Don’t jump straight into a call, give yourself 10 minutes before it starts to prepare. Preparation includes what you might need to discuss but also mentally prepare yourself before you switch to focus mode when your call starts.
Get your point across
Only speaking when it is your turn and if you need to interject whilst someone else is talking raise your hand or leave a comment asking to speak.
Not every call has to be face to face
Some meetings will be easier as a quick call and having to adjust your camera each time can be off-putting. Some employers will insist on video calling for every meeting. Give yourself and others a break, lots of queries can be dealt with over email, question the format and structure of your calls.
Avoid distractions
Looking at emails whilst on a call can be distracting as well as having to focus on speaking/listening whilst responding to an email can create hyper-functioning anxiety. Mute your notifications to avoid being distracted and feeling the impulse to respond to an email straight away.
Take regular breaks
If someone schedules in a meeting right after another meeting, be inclined to suggest a slightly later time so that you get a break in between calls. You need time to be able to switch off from one to call then switch on for the next and let your eyes rest.
Your environment
You don’t have to sit in a home office space to take a call, sit where you feel most comfortable, or take a walk outside whilst you talk. Doing something that makes you feel motivated not only helps you in your work but also goes a long way in prioritising your wellbeing.