Zoom Fatigue

A term used to describe the mental exhaustion caused by excessive video conferencing and virtual meetings.

HR professionals address Zoom fatigue by encouraging meeting-free periods, promoting asynchronous communication, and providing employees with guidelines for maintaining work-life balance in remote work settings.

FAQ

How to fix fatigue quickly?

To quickly reduce fatigue, try these tips:

  • Hydrate – Dehydration is a major fatigue trigger. Drink a glass of water.
  • Move your body – A 5-10 minute walk or quick stretch can boost blood flow and energy.
  • Eat a light, energy-boosting snack – Try a banana, handful of nuts, or yogurt.
  • Take a power nap – 10–20 minutes of rest can restore alertness.
  • Breathe deeply – Try 2–3 minutes of slow, deep breathing to reduce mental fatigue.
  • Limit screen time – Look away from screens for a few minutes to reset your focus.

For longer-term relief, focus on good sleep, regular exercise, and balanced meals.

What is virtual meeting fatigue?

Virtual meeting fatigue refers to the exhaustion people feel after attending multiple video calls or online meetings. It’s caused by:

  • Constant screen time and lack of physical breaks
  • Reduced non-verbal cues, making communication more mentally draining
  • Pressure to appear constantly attentive on camera
  • Few opportunities to move or shift attention

To reduce it, consider scheduling breaks between meetings, turning off self-view, using audio-only when possible, and avoiding back-to-back virtual calls.