Scientists reveal why video conferencing is stressful and how to deal with it

If you often make video calls at work, then you probably know how exhausting they can be. Microsoft understands this very well too. In their new study, the company's experts talked about how video communication causes constant stress and why.

In researchResearch Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks Microsoft's 14 people took part in eight half-hour video calls, divided into four a day: one day with 10-minute breaks in between, and the rest in one block. All participants wore special EEG electrode caps, which monitored brain function and assessed its activity.

The trial found that during a block of meetings without interruptions, people experienced higher levels of beta waves, which are associated with stress, anxiety, and increased concentration. There were also higher peaks and higher average stress levels that slowly but surely increased over time. 10-minute breaks lowered these rates.

And although EEG readings are not the most accurate measure of stress, they are much more reliable and more visual than a retrospective self-assessment of one's own tension. According to experts, the result of the study confirms what everyone already understands: constant video calls is stress. However, it should be taken into account that stimuli in the work environment can be enough even without video communication.

Recent researchZoom fatigue worse for women, Stanford study finds Stanford University found that Zoom fatigue is disproportionately common in women - after calls, they experience emotional exhaustion more than twice as often as men. Researchers have suggested that women’s video calls tend to last longer and are less likely to take breaks. It is also influenced by increased attention to female appearance, which leaves its imprints on the emotional background.

Microsoft is trying to solve this problem by expanding the capabilities of its corporate communication service Teams, where it already added more convenient tools for scheduling appointments and calls, as well as the ability to use breaks in meetings. Scientists from Stanford, in turn, recommend converting some video calls to audio format and limiting them in time. If the video format is required, then try to move the camera away from you and chat while walking around the room. This should help reduce the degree of stress.

Experts point out that employers and hangouts need to be aware of these risks and promote policies to mitigate them, not just shift the responsibility onto the shoulders employees. The past year has shown that virtual communication has long been entrenched in the work environment, therefore it is already important now develop solutions to make video conferencing less stressful and exhausting.

Do you often communicate with colleagues via video link? Do these ringing tones cause stress? Share in the comments.