In the era of remote work, virtual meetings have become the new norm for workplace communication. Everything from water cooler gossip to high-level business decisions takes place over our computer screens.
However, while Zoom has been an instrumental tool in keeping us connected no matter what, it has also given rise to a brand new kind of workplace stressor. “Zoom anxiety” is so prevalent that 94 percent of the workforce has felt it on a work call, according to a recent study conducted by Preply, an online language learning marketplace.
Zoom and virtual communication tools aren’t going anywhere, even as more of us return to the office. So why does “Zoom anxiety” happen, and how do we calm those video call jitters?
Why Are Zoom Meetings Stressful?
Lights, camera . . . Anxiety? As the world becomes more acquainted with Zoom meetings, we discover their unexpected pitfalls. Our supposedly more laidback remote meetings seem to concentrate some of the pressures of performing in the public eye.
According to the study by Preply, 48 percent of professionals find themselves flashing smiles on Zoom more frequently than in real-life off-camera exchanges. Compounding performance pressure with a bit of self-consciousness, 71 percent report exerting extra energy to sit upright, visibly attempting to maintain a professional image.
It doesn’t stop at appearances — many Americans also struggle with effective communication. Have you ever launched into a severe monologue only to be interrupted or, even worse, realize you’ve been on mute all along? This rings true for 75 percent and 55 percent of professionals, respectively, which both mortifies a person and makes them far less likely to participate. Then there’s the feeling of everyone’s eyes on you, inducing hyper-gaze anxiety in at least 48 percent of us.
Finally, nearly half of the respondents (46 percent) confess to battling mirror anxiety generated by constantly scrutinizing their self-image on camera. With 27 percent confessing to focus mainly on their own image during calls, it’s no wonder that conversations can go awry. The screen becomes less of a window into the virtual boardroom and more of a reflection of extreme self-awareness and our self-perceived flaws.
How Zoom Meetings Impact Our Work
Workplace fatigue is no longer limited to not having enough coffee or getting cramps from sitting in an office chair all day. A surprising 49 percent of Americans find video calls more exhausting than their in-person equivalent. The non-stop schedule of screen-based interactions leaves half of us longing for the real thing.
Also, conversations suffer — not only in terms of productivity but also camaraderie. A significant 31 percent of participants barely try to gesture or verbalize their goodbyes. Nearly half of all respondents time their entry and exit to video calls to coincide with others’, opting out of pre- or post-meeting chit-chat altogether. These antisocial habits, coupled with the fact that 39 percent find video call collaboration unnatural, make it much harder for coworkers to really connect.
How to Work Through the Anxiety
Let’s flip the script on Zoom anxiety. Yes, it’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. Among the endless notifications and glaring screens, there’s a silver lining: the flexibility and conveniences of remote work—no more rush-hour commutes and no more juggling office duties with home responsibilities at the same time. Aren’t these huge perks to be grateful for?
And hey, if Zoom meetings leave you wanting to crawl into a cave, you’re not alone. Try kicking off those meetings in the morning when your energy is at its peak. Or, if you can’t move them, ensure you’re prepared in advance so you don’t go into any meetings cold. It’s all about finding what works best for you. You can trade in your anxiety for some Zoom Zen with the right strategies.
