Video Call Burnout: Keeping Sane & Engaged Online

Alright, let’s be honest. If I see one more calendar invite pop up that says “Quick Sync via Video,” a part of my soul shrivels up just a tiny bit. It’s 2025, and the era of back-to-back video calls, the endless parade of faces in tiny boxes, well, it’s taken its toll. They call it Zoom fatigue, or virtual meeting burnout, and man, is it a real thing. I used to think my day was measured in tasks completed; now, it feels like it’s measured in the number of times I’ve had to say, “You’re on mute!” or stare intently at my own face to make sure I don’t look like I’ve completely lost the plot. Which, some days, I feel like I have.

Working remotely here in Nashville for Chefsicon.com has been amazing, don’t get me wrong. I swapped the Bay Area hustle for a vibrant creative scene, and my rescue cat, Luna, has become an unintentional star in many a marketing meeting (usually by majestically swishing her tail across the camera at the most inopportune moment). But the sheer volume of virtual interaction needed to keep things humming, especially when you’re trying to connect with chefs, suppliers, or brainstorm creative campaigns for a website that gets millions of views, can be utterly draining. There was this one time, I was on a crucial call discussing a new content strategy, and Luna decided my keyboard was the warmest nap spot in the apartment. Professional? Not so much. Hilarious in retrospect? Absolutely. But it underscores how our work lives have become these weird, blended, always-on performances.

So, what’s a work-from-home warrior, especially those of us in roles supporting the incredibly demanding food and hospitality industry, to do? We can’t just ditch virtual meetings entirely – they’re a lifeline for collaboration, planning, and keeping businesses running. But we *can* get smarter about how we approach them. This isn’t just about surviving the virtual onslaught; it’s about figuring out how to stay genuinely engaged, protect our mental energy, and maybe even make these online interactions a bit more… human. We’re going to dive into why this fatigue hits so hard, and more importantly, explore some practical, no-nonsense ways to combat it. Because let’s face it, our creativity, our productivity, and our sanity depend on it. Maybe I should clarify, I’m not an expert in neuroscience, but I’ve certainly become an expert in experiencing this fatigue, and I’ve picked up a few things along the way that genuinely help.

Understanding and Tackling Virtual Overload

Why Our Brains Are So Tired of Virtual Stares

Ever finish a day of video calls and feel like you’ve run a mental marathon, even if you barely moved from your chair? There’s actual science behind that. Video calls demand a much higher cognitive load than face-to-face interactions. Our brains are working overtime to process information. In a real room, we subconsciously pick up a ton of non-verbal cues – subtle shifts in posture, tiny facial expressions, the general energy of the group. Online, a lot of that is lost or distorted. We’re staring at a grid of faces, trying to gauge reactions through a screen, and simultaneously hyper-aware of our own image. Am I looking interested enough? Is that my cat walking into the frame again? Is my lighting okay? It’s exhausting!

Think about it: in a physical meeting, you can let your gaze wander, doodle in a notebook, or subtly shift your position. On a video call, especially with the gallery view, you’re often trying to maintain eye contact with multiple people at once, or at least appear to be. This sustained, direct gaze, even if it’s at a camera, isn’t natural for prolonged periods. Plus, the slight delays in audio or video, the unnatural stillness of some participants versus the exaggerated movements of others, it all adds up to a cognitive soup that our brains have to constantly stir and try to make sense of. I used to think I was just getting more introverted in my old age, but then I read up on this stuff, and it was a lightbulb moment. My brain isn’t being difficult; it’s just being asked to do a weird, new, and surprisingly taxing job. For someone in, say, restaurant management trying to conduct staff training remotely, or a food supplier negotiating terms over video, this mental drain can seriously impact effectiveness and decision-making. It’s not just “being tired,” it’s a specific kind of tired that sneaks up on you.

And then there’s the self-monitoring aspect. We see ourselves on screen constantly. This can lead to increased self-consciousness and what some researchers call a ‘mirror effect’. We’re not just participating; we’re also observing ourselves participate. It’s like having a mirror in front of you during every single conversation. This constant self-evaluation eats up mental resources. It’s one thing if you’re a performer, but for everyday business communication, it’s an added layer of pressure. We need to maintain sustained attention in a way that’s quite different from in-person scenarios, and it’s no wonder we feel wiped out. The subtle social anxieties that might be manageable in person can get amplified when your face is broadcast in high-definition for everyone to scrutinize, or so it feels.

The “Always On” Culture: Setting Boundaries in a Virtual World

One of the sneakiest things about remote work and the reliance on virtual meetings is the creep of an “always on” culture. When your office is also your living room, the lines blur. It’s so easy for back-to-back meetings to become the norm, with barely enough time to grab a glass of water, let alone mentally reset. Is back-to-back really productive, though? I’m increasingly convinced it’s not. My calendar used to look like a game of Tetris gone wrong, every slot filled. I thought it meant I was being super productive, a real go-getter for Chefsicon.com. Turns out, it mostly meant I was frazzled, less focused in each subsequent meeting, and my actual deep work—the kind needed for writing compelling articles or developing marketing strategies—suffered immensely.

This phenomenon of digital presenteeism, feeling like you have to be visibly working and available online at all times, is a huge contributor to burnout. For managers in the food industry, for instance, who might be juggling remote team check-ins, supplier calls, and virtual strategy sessions, this pressure can be immense. The temptation to multitask during these calls, to quickly answer an email or check a message, is also strong, but it just fractures our attention further. Effective boundary setting is crucial. This means not just saying no to some meetings (which is a superpower in itself) but also scheduling actual breaks between them. I’ve started using time blocking not just for tasks but for these mini-breaks, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes to step away from the screen. It felt weird at first, almost like I was slacking, but the difference in my energy and focus has been noticeable. It’s about reclaiming your time and your mental space. We’re not machines; we can’t just switch from one complex task to another without a buffer. And honestly, no one is at their best when they’re running on fumes and caffeine, trying to make important decisions for their business.

Your Virtual Workspace: More Than Just a Good Background

Let’s talk about where the magic (or madness) happens: your virtual workspace. When we first shifted to more remote work, I think many of us made do with whatever setup we could cobble together. Kitchen table, sofa, maybe even bed (no judgment!). But over time, it’s become clear that having a more intentional space can make a big difference to engagement and, frankly, sanity. Creating an environment conducive to focus is key. This doesn’t mean you need a fancy home office. My Nashville apartment certainly isn’t a palace, but I’ve carved out a specific corner that’s my designated ‘Chefsicon HQ.’ It signals to my brain, ‘Okay, it’s work time now.’ This mental separation is just as important as any physical one.

Ergonomics play a huge part too. That crick in your neck? The sore back? Probably not helping your ability to stay engaged during that two-hour virtual planning session for a new restaurant menu. A decent chair, having your screen at eye level, a comfortable keyboard and mouse – these aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities for sustained virtual work. Then there’s distraction management. This is a big one for me, especially with Luna’s penchant for sudden stardom. Minimizing physical distractions (like a pile of laundry in your eyeline) and digital distractions (turning off notifications during calls) is vital. I know it’s tempting to have other tabs open, but really try to focus on the meeting at hand. It’s a discipline, for sure. For anyone managing a food business from home, or even just parts of it, having that dedicated zone where you can concentrate without constant interruption from home life (as much as possible) is a game-changer for productivity and reducing that feeling of being overwhelmed by the virtual world. It helps maintain a semblance of work-life separation, even when both happen under the same roof.

To Camera or Not to Camera? That is the Question.

Ah, the great camera debate. To be on, or not to be on? It feels like there’s this unspoken rule that cameras *must* be on for every single virtual interaction. And I get it, seeing faces can help with connection and gauging reactions. But let’s be real, camera fatigue is a legitimate issue. The pressure to be constantly ‘on,’ visually performing, can be incredibly draining. It adds another layer of self-monitoring and anxiety for many. Sometimes, I just need to be a disembodied voice to truly focus on what’s being said, or to gather my thoughts without worrying if I look like I’m zoning out (even if I am, just a little).

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider… I think it’s about finding a balance and encouraging more open conversations about camera use within teams. For quick check-ins or one-on-ones, camera on can be great for building rapport. For longer meetings, especially those where you’re primarily listening or brainstorming, maybe camera-off periods are okay. Or perhaps a team could agree that it’s fine to turn cameras off after initial greetings. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but forcing constant visual presence can be counterproductive if it leads to burnout. I’ve been in meetings where it’s clear some folks are only on camera because they feel they *have* to be, and their discomfort is palpable. For businesses, especially in service-oriented fields like hospitality, where empathy and clear communication are key, ensuring your team feels comfortable and not unduly stressed by virtual meeting etiquette is important. Maybe we need to collectively decide that it’s okay to occasionally opt for an audio-only experience if it helps people conserve energy and focus better. It’s a conversation worth having.

Beyond the Screen: Incorporating Movement and Breaks

Our bodies simply weren’t designed to sit hunched over a screen for eight hours a day. The physical toll of endless virtual meetings – stiff neck, sore shoulders, eye strain – directly impacts our mental state and ability to stay engaged. This is where incorporating movement and regular breaks becomes non-negotiable for our physical well-being. It sounds so simple, but it’s amazing how easily we forget when we’re deep in the virtual grind. Even short micro-breaks can make a huge difference. The classic 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help with eye strain.

I try to stand up and stretch or pace during calls if I’m mostly in listening mode. Luna usually looks at me like I’ve finally cracked, performing some bizarre, jerky dance routine in the living room, but it genuinely helps to get the blood flowing. Sometimes, if the meeting allows and I don’t need to present or see a shared screen, I’ll even do it as an audio-only call on my phone and walk around my apartment or step out onto the balcony for some fresh air. This concept of active listening while moving can be surprisingly effective. For managers or team leaders in the food business, encouraging your team to take these small breaks, to step away from their screens, can foster a healthier and more sustainable remote work culture. It’s not about slacking off; it’s about preserving energy and focus for the long haul. Even just explicitly building in a 5-minute stretch break during a longer virtual workshop can be a game-changer for keeping people alert and engaged.

Making Virtual Interactions More… Human

One of the biggest things I miss from pre-pandemic office life (and I say this as someone who genuinely loves working remotely now) is the casual, spontaneous human interaction. The quick chat by the coffee machine, the shared laugh over a silly email, the easy camaraderie that builds when you’re physically sharing a space. These moments are harder to replicate virtually, and their absence can make online interactions feel sterile and transactional. This is why actively working to inject some personality and build social connection when pixels prevail is so important. It helps combat that sense of isolation that can creep in.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Starting meetings with a brief, non-work check-in – asking how someone’s weekend was, sharing a quick personal anecdote (like Luna’s latest antics), or even a silly icebreaker question – can make a world of difference. It helps people settle in and connect on a more personal level before diving into the agenda. Using chat functions for quick affirmations, questions, or even the occasional well-placed emoji or GIF (company culture permitting, of course) can also liven things up and foster a sense of shared experience. For those of us at Chefsicon.com, where creativity is key, fostering this kind of rapport building, even virtually, is essential for a positive virtual team culture. If you’re leading a team in the food and beverage industry, say a group of restaurant managers spread across different locations, taking these small steps to humanize virtual meetings can significantly boost morale and collaborative spirit. It reminds everyone that there are real people, with real lives, on the other side of the screen.

The Art of the Engaging Virtual Meeting (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Okay, let’s tackle the beast itself: the virtual meeting. Are we just talking AT each other for an hour? Too often, that’s what it feels like. Monologue presentations, participants passively listening (or, let’s be honest, multitasking), and a general lack of dynamic interaction are common pitfalls. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Designing and facilitating engaging virtual meetings is an art, and it’s one we all need to get better at. The first step is often asking: does this even *need* to be a meeting? Could this information be shared in an email or a collaborative document? Assuming a meeting is necessary, clear agendas distributed beforehand are a must. Knowing the purpose and desired outcomes helps everyone stay focused.

Then, think about how to make it more participatory. Assigning roles can help – a notetaker, a timekeeper, a facilitator whose job it is to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak. Using interactive elements can also be a game-changer. Simple polls to gauge opinions, virtual whiteboards for brainstorming (many video conferencing platforms have these built-in now), or breakout rooms for smaller group discussions can transform a passive listening experience into an active one. I’ve been in those meetings where you could hear a pin drop, except it’s just the hum of someone’s ancient laptop fan. We gotta do better! For those critical business planning meetings in the food biz, where you’re hashing out new menu concepts, marketing strategies, or operational changes, skilled meeting facilitation and active participant engagement are absolutely crucial for achieving real results, not just ticking a box on the calendar. Maybe I should clarify, it takes effort to plan these things, but the payoff in terms of productivity and reduced fatigue is huge.

Tech Tools: Friend or Foe in the Fatigue Fight?

We are swimming in a sea of technology designed to help us connect and collaborate. Video conferencing, instant messaging, project management platforms, collaborative document editors… the list goes on. But are these tools always our friends in the fight against virtual fatigue? Sometimes, it feels like they just add to the noise and the pressure to be constantly connected. The key is leveraging technology wisely, choosing the right tool for the job, and not letting the tools dictate our workflow or our well-being. Not everything needs a synchronous video meeting! Embracing asynchronous communication can be a massive relief.

For Chefsicon.com, we use a mix of tools. Video calls are for discussions that really benefit from real-time interaction and visual cues. But for updates, quick questions, or collaborative document work, we rely heavily on platforms like Slack and Google Workspace. This allows people to respond on their own time, reducing the need to be constantly tethered to live meetings. Having a well-organized digital toolkit and clear guidelines on when to use which tool can streamline communication and cut down on unnecessary calls. For instance, a restaurant chain might use a project management tool for tracking new outlet openings, a shared drive for standard operating procedures, and reserve video calls for strategic planning or complex problem-solving. It’s about being intentional. I’m torn between loving the convenience and sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of apps, but ultimately, when used thoughtfully, the right tech can genuinely reduce meeting load and improve how we work together, rather than just adding another notification to the pile.

Mindfulness and Self-Care: Your Secret Weapons

This might sound a bit ‘woo-woo’ to some, especially if you’re coming from the often gritty, high-pressure environment of the food industry, but hear me out: mindfulness and self-care are not luxuries in the age of virtual overload; they are essential survival tools. The constant barrage of information, the pressure to be always ‘on,’ the blurred lines between work and home – it all takes a significant mental toll. Recognizing the signs of burnout prevention – irritability, lack of motivation, persistent fatigue – is the first step. And then, we need to be proactive about protecting our mental health.

Simple mindfulness practices can make a surprising difference. This doesn’t mean you need to meditate for an hour every day (though if that’s your thing, amazing!). It can be as simple as taking one minute before joining a video call to close your eyes and take a few deep, focused breaths. Or consciously stretching and looking away from your screen for a few minutes between meetings. Crucially, it also means learning to truly log off at the end of the workday, to create that mental disconnect. I was skeptical about mindfulness at first; it sounded a bit too Bay Area for this Nashville transplant who’s more into BBQ than breathwork. But honestly, these small moments of intentional pause… they actually work. Even Luna, my cat, seems to appreciate it when I’m not a constantly frazzled ball of stress responding to pings. It’s about giving your brain a chance to reset and recover, so you can show up to your virtual (and real-life) commitments with more energy and presence.

Rethinking “Productivity”: Quality Over Quantity of Screen Time

For so long, especially in traditional work environments, busyness has been equated with productivity. A packed calendar, back-to-back meetings – it looked like you were important, getting things done. But in the virtual realm, this mindset can be incredibly damaging. Are we measuring the right things? Is being in ten video calls a day truly more productive than being in three highly focused, effective ones and having dedicated time for deep work? I’m increasingly convinced that we need to shift our focus from hours spent on calls to the actual outcomes achieved. This is particularly true for businesses in the fast-paced food world – whether you’re a chef developing a new seasonal menu, a marketer planning a launch, or an operations manager streamlining logistics. Results are what matter.

This means challenging the assumption that more screen time equals more output. It means encouraging and protecting blocks of focused work time, free from the interruption of constant notifications and meeting invites. It also means better communication about availability. It’s okay to set your status to ‘Do Not Disturb’ when you’re working on a critical task. It’s a cultural shift, isn’t it? Moving from valuing visible activity to valuing tangible results and outcome-based work. For managers, this might mean empowering your team to decline meetings that aren’t a good use of their time, or to suggest alternative ways of collaborating. It’s not about avoiding work; it’s about working smarter and more sustainably in a virtual environment. We need to refine our productivity metrics to reflect this new reality, focusing on impact rather than just attendance. It’s a learning curve for all of us, myself included, but it’s a crucial one for long-term well-being and success.

Finding Our Virtual Groove

So, there you have it. A brain dump from someone who spends a significant portion of his life staring at a screen, trying to make sense of it all, just like many of you. Combating Zoom fatigue and staying engaged virtually isn’t about finding one magic bullet. It’s about a collection of small, intentional shifts in how we work, how we connect, and how we take care of ourselves. It’s about setting boundaries, being kind to our brains, moving our bodies, and injecting a bit more humanity into our digital interactions. And it’s about remembering that technology should serve us, not the other way around.

My challenge to you, and to myself, really, is to pick just one or two of these ideas and try to implement them this week. Maybe it’s scheduling 10-minute breaks between your calls. Maybe it’s suggesting a ‘camera optional’ period for your next long team meeting. Or perhaps it’s just taking a moment to breathe before you click that ‘Join Meeting’ button. Small changes can add up to a big difference in how we experience our increasingly virtual work lives. It’s an ongoing experiment, and what works for me here in Nashville with Luna purring on my desk might be different for you, but the principle remains: we need to actively manage our virtual engagement to protect our energy and our effectiveness.

I often wonder, will this period of intense reliance on virtual tools ultimately lead us to more thoughtful, flexible, and perhaps even more humane ways of working and connecting? Or am I just an eternal optimist, slightly cross-eyed from too much screen time? It’s hard to say for sure, but experimenting with these strategies feels like a step in the right direction. The food industry, like so many others, is adapting, and supporting the people within it to navigate these changes is more important than ever. Here’s to less fatigue and more genuine connection, wherever our work takes us.

FAQ

Q: What’s the single biggest mistake people make that leads to Zoom fatigue?
A: That’s a tough one, but I’d say it’s probably the relentless back-to-back scheduling of meetings without any built-in breaks. Our brains just aren’t wired for that kind of constant, focused, virtual interaction without any downtime to reset. Closely followed by meetings that lack a clear agenda or purpose, making them feel like a waste of precious energy.

Q: Is it actually rude to turn off my camera during a virtual meeting?
A: I don’t think it’s inherently rude, but context and team culture really matter here. For very large meetings where you’re mostly listening, or if you’ve communicated a reason (like conserving bandwidth or needing a brief moment off-screen), it’s often fine. However, for smaller, more interactive discussions, having your camera on is generally preferred for better engagement. The best approach is for teams to have an open conversation about camera expectations to avoid misunderstandings.

Q: How can I make my team’s virtual meetings less draining for everyone?
A: Start by questioning if every meeting is truly necessary – could an email or shared doc suffice? For essential meetings, ensure they have a clear agenda, a defined timeframe (shorter is often better!), and encourage active participation. Build in short breaks for longer sessions, encourage people to turn off cameras if they need a visual break (if appropriate for the meeting type), and try to incorporate some interactive elements or even a brief non-work check-in to make them feel more human and less transactional.

Q: I’m an introvert, and even with these tips, virtual meetings are incredibly exhausting. Any specific advice?
A: I feel you on that! As an introvert, the constant ‘on’ feeling can be intense. Preparation can help – review agendas beforehand so you feel more grounded. During the meeting, try to focus on one speaker at a time rather than the whole gallery. Actively schedule downtime for yourself *after* a block of meetings to recharge; don’t just jump into the next task. And don’t be afraid to advocate for what helps you – whether that’s clearer agendas, more use of chat for contributions, or the occasional camera-off moment. Your well-being matters!

@article{video-call-burnout-keeping-sane-engaged-online,
    title   = {Video Call Burnout: Keeping Sane & Engaged Online},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/combating-zoom-fatigue-staying-engaged-virtually/}
}