How Communication Is Being Reshaped Via Video calls & Virtual Conferences
It can be weary trying to communicate through virtual platforms. Some may feel lethargic working from home, while others may feel more productive. It is quite common however, that hours of meetings over video calls between teams and being on the digital platforms for too long may cause mental exhaustion commonly known as Zoom fatigue.
Written By: Iqra Ali khan
Date: 08 Jul 2020
Ever since this pandemic has hit us, our communication and interaction has strictly been through virtual means. All the businesses are now working remotely and the employees are struggling to adjust to this new norm. Now, with virtual communication, it is crucial to hold onto the conversation with your team and focus on how they react through their body language and response.
A behavioural research was conducted by a postdoctoral researcher at FAU (Florida Atlantic University), to observe how people react during online interaction and if face fixation increases in real time interaction. 2 groups from 100 participants were studied, one group believed they were engaging in a real – time interaction while the other group were told to watch a pre-recorded video.
The results showed that the participants who had an in person interaction were more fixated on the whole face rather than the group with the pre-recorded video where they were significantly less interested.
Remote communication has reconnected people and brought them closer together. In these difficult times, people tend to turn to their family and friends to share their common worries which draws comfort to them and enables them to have a healthy communication.
Due to staying at home, however, phone anxiety has become an even deeper issue for mental health. It can be quite difficult to cultivate relationships through phone conversations compared to social meetings for some extroverts and it may lead to social anxiety disorder. The only way to overcome this fear is to take time and embrace the digital medium. It could be refreshing even for an extrovert to experiment with video chatting and other interactive tools.
Speaking from a business perspective, it can be weary trying to communicate through virtual platforms. Some may feel lethargic working from home, while others may feel more productive. It is quite common however, that hours of meetings over video calls between teams and being on the digital platforms for too long may cause mental exhaustion commonly known as Zoom fatigue.
It is vital to take breaks or exercise in order to incorporate transition periods in between virtual meetings. Getting a quick drink, sitting back and relaxing or even resting your eyes can create buffers that allows a gap between your work and personal identity. Steer clear of your mobile phones and give your eyes some time to rest from screens. It is not only unhealthy, but extremely dangerous to continuously stare at electronic screens.
Changing simple things can lead to a significant change in your outlook and productivity. One thing in particular that helps is understanding that cameras do not always have to be on during a meeting. Especially in group meetings, having your camera off leads to better concentration and can be less exhausting.
Video chats can be limited to when it is extremely important and alternate platforms to share notes and files can also help with the feeling of being overwhelmed. It is also advisable to check on your teams wellbeing and catch up on non-work related topics. That, in itself, instils a feeling of trust and positivity in individuals.
Using these virtual tools can be draining, however, teams can utilize these platforms in a positive way to improve their dynamic and get a better understanding of each other through virtual team building. It is natural to feel lonely and isolated while working from home and team building is the best way to help facilitate relationships and build trust with your co-workers alongside focusing on something other than work.
As a team leader, team effort is a crucial part of your business and building strong relationships within your teams can lead to better outcomes with effective communication and a positive environment. Jambar Team Building is offering some unique virtual team building programs to enhance your teams ability to connect as well as have a great fun-filled experience together. Whether it be some ice breakers or a virtual escape room, there is something for everyone.
Working from home is indeed stressful, isolating and hard to maintain. However, with the right mindset and a refreshed outlook, you can most definitely achieve a work life balance.
