Why video calls became so common
Video calls let people talk face to face across distance, with no travel. For teams that are remote or hybrid, they became the digital version of the meeting room. They are good for conversations that benefit from seeing reactions: introductions, sensitive discussions, group problem-solving and relationship building.
They are also easy to overuse. Putting a meeting in a calendar takes seconds, so the number of calls can grow faster than the number of useful conversations. Many people describe finishing a day of video meetings feeling more tired than after a day of in-person ones, an experience often called video call fatigue.
Why video calls can feel tiring
No single cause explains it, and researchers continue to study the subject. Several explanations are commonly offered, and they should be taken as possibilities rather than settled facts.
- Constant self-view. Seeing your own face on screen for an hour can make people more self-conscious.
- Sustained eye contact. On a grid of faces, many people appear to be looking directly at you, which differs from the glances of an ordinary meeting.
- Reduced movement. Staying within the camera’s frame limits natural movement such as pacing or stretching.
- Extra effort to read cues. Slight audio delay, compressed video and missing body language can make conversation more effortful, so people work harder to interpret tone and to avoid talking over each other.
- Back-to-back scheduling. Without the walk between rooms, there is often no break to rest or think.
- Technical friction. Connection problems and unfamiliar controls add small stresses.
Reactions vary. Some people find video calls convenient and not especially tiring, and individual factors such as personality, workload, disability and home environment can change the experience. Anyone who experiences persistent exhaustion, stress or low mood should consider speaking with a qualified health professional, as general information like this cannot assess an individual situation.
Etiquette that most people appreciate
Expectations differ between organizations and cultures, so teams benefit from stating their norms. Some habits are widely welcomed.
- Join on time and test beforehand. Check that audio and video work before the meeting starts.
- Mute when not speaking. Background noise, typing and household sounds distract everyone.
- Use a clear audio setup. Audio quality often matters more than picture quality. A headset can reduce echo.
- Be mindful of your background. A tidy space or a blurred or neutral backdrop keeps attention on the conversation. Bear in mind that not everyone has a private room.
- Share what you can. Putting a link to documents in the chat helps people follow.
- Take turns. Raise a hand or use the chat to signal a wish to speak, especially in larger groups.
- Stay engaged. Checking email while others talk is noticeable and can undermine trust, though occasional multitasking is common.
- Respect cameras. Some teams expect cameras on; others leave it optional. Bandwidth limits, privacy concerns, disabilities and personal comfort can all be valid reasons for not using video.
Ways to reduce fatigue
Question whether a meeting is needed. A written update or a shared document may do the job. Teams that handle more discussion through asynchronous work often find their calendars freer.
Shorten and structure meetings. An agenda, a clear purpose and a defined end time keep calls focused. Some teams default to 25 or 50 minutes instead of 30 or 60, so there is a gap before the next call.
Allow cameras to be optional. Letting people turn video off during parts of a meeting, or for audio-only calls, can reduce strain. Walking meetings by phone are another option for one-to-one conversations.
Hide self-view. Many platforms let people hide their own image while others still see them.
Take real breaks. Standing up, looking away from the screen and drinking water between calls can help. Prolonged screen use is a broader subject, touched on in discussions of screen time and digital detox.
Limit the audience. Large calls with passive attendees often work better as a recording or a summary.
Accessibility and inclusion
Good practice includes captions for participants who are deaf or hard of hearing, and for those who are working in a second language. Sharing materials in advance helps people who need more time to process information. Not everyone has a fast, stable connection, which relates to the digital divide, so allowing audio-only participation can keep people included.
Privacy and security
Video calls may be recorded, transcribed or summarized by automated tools. Participants usually expect to be told when this happens. Meeting links shared publicly can attract uninvited guests, so organizations often use waiting rooms, passwords or sign-in requirements. Chat and shared screens can also reveal personal data, so screens should be checked before sharing. These are general points rather than legal or security advice.
Finding a sustainable pattern
Video conferencing is a tool, not a verdict on how people should communicate. It works best when used for the conversations that need it and combined with other forms of collaboration for those that do not. Teams that agree on norms, review their meeting load from time to time and give each other room to adjust usually find the technology much easier to live with.