The shift to remote work during the pandemic has made videoconferencing a central part of our lives, but it also brings a challenge known as videoconferencing fatigue (VF). This fatigue can manifest as physical, emotional, or cognitive exhaustion, and recent research from Singapore reveals that the type of virtual background used during video calls can significantly impact levels of VF.
Background Choices Matter
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology involved over 600 participants who reported their experiences with various virtual backgrounds, including static images, blurred images, and videos. The results showed that those using video backgrounds experienced the highest levels of VF, while blurred backgrounds also led to greater fatigue compared to static images. Researchers explain that our brains respond to new information, which can be taxing during calls. Video backgrounds continuously introduce new stimuli, demanding cognitive resources and contributing to fatigue.
Nature vs. Urban Settings
Interestingly, the content of these backgrounds matters as well. Participants using nature-themed backgrounds reported lower VF levels than those using office or public space settings. The pressure to self-present in professional environments can heighten stress, making nature scenes a more relaxing option. Additionally, humorous or lighthearted backgrounds were associated with the lowest fatigue levels, suggesting that context plays a crucial role in background selection.
Enhancing Your Videoconferencing Experience
These findings highlight the importance of choosing appropriate virtual environments to enhance both meeting effectiveness and personal well-being. Here are some additional tips to further enhance your energy and focus during virtual meetings.
- Limit Multitasking: Focus solely on the meeting to reduce cognitive overload and improve retention of information.
- Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks between calls to recharge your mind and body, helping to mitigate fatigue.
- Engage Actively: Participate in discussions by asking questions and contributing to conversations to stay mentally involved.
- Adjust Your Environment: Ensure good lighting and minimize distractions in your workspace to create a conducive meeting atmosphere.
- Use Headphones: Invest in quality headphones to improve audio clarity and reduce background noise, helping you stay engaged.
- Set Clear Objectives: Before each call, outline your goals to maintain focus and ensure productive discussions.
In today’s digital landscape, the prevalence of online meetings makes it essential to address the challenges of fatigue and engagement. By being mindful of the environments we choose and actively implementing strategies to enhance our focus, we can significantly improve our overall experience during virtual interactions. Prioritizing a conducive setup, participating actively, and taking breaks can help us remain energized and productive. As we adapt to this new way of connecting, taking these steps will not only enhance our meetings but also contribute to our well-being, ensuring that we make the most out of our time spent online.
