This is why online meetings make you so tired

Anna Sandner

17/1/2024

Translation: Katherine Martin

Often feel like dozing off in seemingly never-ending online meetings? According to a new study, you might be in the wrong job. Here are some tips to help you stay focused.

The study results came as a surprise to researchers. They’d wanted to figure out why online meetings are more tiring for participants than face-to-face ones. Previous studies had indicated that fatigue in virtual meetings is caused by cognitive stress. In the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, Finnish researchers have now demonstrated the opposite. Namely, that online meetings are boring, and don’t challenge participants enough.

Active versus passive fatigue

Until now, researchers had assumed that online meetings cause «active fatigue», a state sometimes resulting from heightened cognitive demand. Taking part in an online meeting requires you to pay constant attention to the screen, continually engage in verbal and non-verbal communication and be present at all times.

Research in the field of cognitive psychology, however, states that the feeling of mental tiredness might also be a manifestation of passive fatigue. In this scenario, sleepiness simply comes about as a result of doing monotonous tasks or not feeling sufficiently challenged.

This is exactly the conclusion the Finnish study came to on online meetings.

«It’s easier to maintain focus in face-to-face meetings than virtual ones, as the latter have limited cognitive cues and sensory input. Especially when cameras are off, the participant is left under-stimulated,» explains Niina Nurmi, who led the study.

The deciding factor: enthusiasm and engagement at work

The research team analysed almost 400 face-to-face and virtual meetings meetings, examining the participants’ heart rate variability and feelings of fatigue. They also shadowed each participant for an average of two full workdays, observing all of their meetings during that timeframe. A comprehensive survey on the participants’ attitude to work and level of engagement was also considered in the evaluation.

As it turned out, the study revealed that virtual work meetings don’t tire everyone out to the same extent. People who’re enthusiastic about their job and feel engaged at work are less likely to get bored in meetings, regardless of the meeting format. Employees who experience a lack of engagement, on the other hand, find virtual meetings particularly tiring.

How to get through an online meeting without nodding off

Before you rush off to type your resignation letter because your boring job has you falling asleep in online meetings, try out these tricks. They’ll give your brain a little boost at your next virtual meeting.

1. Actively participate: Even if you need to give yourself a bit of a push, be an active participant in your meetings. Ask questions, take part in the discussion and interact with other people on the call. This keeps you mentally active and prevents tiredness.
2. Move regularly: To avoid getting tired as quickly, get out of your chair every few minutes and do some quick stretches. This gets your circulation going and reduces passive fatigue. Plus, it’s good for your health.

1. Create variety: Avoid sitting in the same position each time or staring at the same old screen. Change position from time to time, adjust the screen angle or take handwritten notes to inject variety into the meeting and counteract passive fatigue.
2. Get active during your breaks: Instead of sitting passively in your chair, schedule physical activity for your breaks. You could do a few laps around your desk, a couple of gentle stretching exercises or a spot of yoga. These short breaks get your blood flowing and prevent you from falling into passive fatigue.
3. Optimise your working environment: Make your working environment as pleasant as possible. Make sure you have sufficient lighting, a tidy work space and are sitting comfortably. This can counteract physical discomfort and maintain concentration, which in turn reduces passive fatigue.

How do you stay focused during online meetings? Let me know in the comments!

Anna Sandner

Senior Editor

Anna.Sandner@galaxus.de

Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.

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