Zoom Fatigue and Neurodiversity

As social distancing measures remain in place, communication via Zoom has become the new norm for many of our work and personal lives to allow us to interact with one another. However, ‘Zoom Fatigue’ is a phrase that is becoming as equally familiar and also applies to other video calling apps such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and so on. For those with neurodiverse conditions, ‘Zoom Fatigue’ may be increasingly challenging to manage, due to the great mental effort that is already being used to sustain attention and process information within a social situation. If you are feeling exhausted more than usual after a day of video calls, you are not alone.

Why do we experience ‘Zoom Fatigue’?

‘Zoom Fatigue’ is the feeling of tiredness or ‘anxiety’ before, during or after a video call. Due to the enlarged yet limited view, the only way to show you are paying attention is to look at the camera. Having a constant gaze on a screen with multiple people in gallery view, including yourself, may require more mental effort than a face to face interaction. This will have a further impact on those with neurodiverse conditions who already have challenges around sustaining attention. Additionally, those with difficulties processing nonverbal cues may be having to put more effort into interpreting facial expressions, body language and voice tones to ensure they are communicating effectively. Energy also used tracking nonverbal cues may be exacerbated by poor internet connection causing delays in speech synching in time with a facial expression. For those speaking, not being able to express themselves via body language may cause them to put more effort into their speech to overcompensate what may be missed, further impacting on fatigue. This adaption to a new way of working, communication disconnect and constant eye contact causes people to feel fatigued and ‘overwhelmed’.

How to combat ‘Zoom Fatigue’?

• Assess your environment

Have a look around you and identify items that may lead to you becoming distracted during a video call. This includes your computer desktop - close down windows or tabs that are not required during a video call to prevent you from working on other tasks. Additionally, have an awareness that others on your video call may have sensory sensitivities – consider your background and assess whether there are any bright lights or visual distractions and reduce these where possible.

• Breaks

Avoid scheduling video calls back to back and give yourself a 30 minute break away from the screen in between. For longer video calls, ensure to allocate time within the call for a short break also. Ensure you are utilising these breaks to stretch or move around and not on alternative work tasks. A short indoor walk during this time can give you a boost of energy!

• Minimize the window

We have identified that individuals can become hyper focused on their appearance and how they come across during video calls. To reduce this factor having an impact on your attention, minimise the video call window and/or look elsewhere. This will also reduce how much eye contact you may feel obliged to make.

• Does everyone need to be on camera?

You may find it beneficial for some meetings, to agree that only the speaker is required to be on camera and appointing a facilitator to give everyone the opportunity to talk. Turning your camera off may prevent you from becoming overstimulated and reduce any self-conscious feelings. Also, having a facilitator will help support those who struggle with identifying when it is their turn to speak.

• Consider switching to calls

Although there are many benefits to video calling, including reducing feelings of isolation, consider whether some meetings can be as productive over a phone call and politely introduce the idea. This will be particularly useful for those who are jumping in and out of video calls in their working day, giving some variety.

Lexxic is proud to announce that we can offer advice and support to neurodiverse employees and businesses on ways to stay productive, resilient and competitive in the face of the current crisis. Working from home can prove to be a challenge for some, yet it may suit others’ working style perfectly. Either way, Lexxic is here to ensure this new way of working can be effective and suitable for all. Lexxic is offering webinars alongside virtual and phone-based services which include screenings, workplace assessments, assistive technology training and 1:1 coaching. We also have an online e-learning platform, where techniques to promote resilience in the workplace can be attained. 

Please contact us at enquiry@lexxic.com or call us on +44 (0) 845 643 2754 for more information on how to make arrangements for this support, or to gain access to our online e-learning platform, Neurotalent Unlocked.

By Stephanie Kukoyi, Business Psychologist at Lexxic