The rise of asynchronous communication: beyond Zoom fatigue
Zoom fatigue is a state of physical and mental tiredness that results from excessive use of video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, particularly during extended or repeated virtual meetings. The main symptoms are tiredness or burnout after video calls, difficulties concentrating, headaches or eye strain, irritability or anxiety about upcoming meetings.
What are the key causes of Zoom fatigue?
- Excessive eye contact: Constantly staring at faces on a screen increases cognitive load and stress.
- Reduced non-verbal cues: It's harder to read body language, facial expressions, or tone in virtual settings, making communication more mentally taxing.
- Self-view overload: Seeing yourself constantly on screen can lead to heightened self-consciousness and anxiety.
- Limited mobility: Sitting still without natural breaks between meetings contributes to physical fatigue.
- Increased cognitive effort: Switching between various virtual platforms, managing background distractions, and maintaining professionalism online requires extra mental effort.
There are many ways to reduce Zoom fatigue. Migration to asynchronous communication is one of the most effective ways to increase productivity and reduce employee burnout.
What is asynchronous communication?
Asynchronous communication is communication that doesn't occur instantly. Instead of requiring immediate replies, messages are sent and answered whenever it's convenient for the recipient. For example, email, text messages, discussion boards, recorded video or audio messages, corporate messenger apps, and project management tools.
Asynchronous communication does not require an immediate response. It can be accessed at any time and offers recorded messages or video conferences. It is a convenient way to keep track of conversations and remain productive.
Asynchronous communication can be used for status updates or progress reports, while coordinating with people in different time zones, for complex or non-urgent discussions, to give people time to process information or data. However, it cannot be used for emergent issues, brainstorming, or important conversations that require immediate reaction.
Combine asynchronous and synchronous communication with Virola Messenger
Virola Messenger can help to find the right balance in corporate communication. It provides a wide range of features that can be used for efficient collaboration. Here's how you can use Virola Messenger for asynchronous communication:
- Record video and audio meetings and share with team members
- Exchange messages in group and private chats
- Follow company updates in communication channels
- Create issues and tasks
- Track your tasks and the tasks of your co-workers on a task board
- Share files and documents with your team
Virola Messenger offers video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and remote control features for synchronous communication.
Many businesses use corporate messengers like Virola not only for internal communication, but also for asynchronous customer support. Virola messenger allows creating communication channels and sharing links to them with customers, supporting customers in private chats, helping them through remote control, and organizing video conferences for sales and educational purposes. Virola Messenger combines all the features you need to make customer service and internal communications asynchronous.
Asynchronous work allows team members the freedom to concentrate on high-value tasks without constant interruptions. The real advantage of asynchronous communication lies in using collaboration effectively to make the most of your working hours. With a well-structured asynchronous system, you can accomplish key tasks and achieve your objectives with less back-and-forth and fewer distractions.