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Imagine this: it’s 5 PM on a Wednesday, and instead of feeling ready to dive into the rest of your evening, you’re drained. You didn’t run a marathon, and you didn’t tackle a major home project—your exhaustion comes from something far less exciting: a full day in virtual meetings. If you thought sitting at a desk all day would leave you with extra energy to burn, think again. Welcome to the modern dilemma of digital fatigue—a very real, mental and physical burnout caused by the constant use of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices.
The shift to remote work has brought us flexibility, but it’s also blurred the lines between work and downtime. According to Livestorm, 49% of Americans report suffering from digital fatigue, with one of the biggest challenges being the difficulty disconnecting from work after hours.
So, what exactly is digital fatigue? It’s not just being tired—it’s a deeper exhaustion brought on by endless screen time, especially from virtual meetings. And it doesn’t just affect work performance—it can make it harder to relax, recharge, and fully enjoy your personal time. |
The big question is: How can we reduce the impact of virtual meetings without sacrificing productivity? In this post, we’ll explore the causes of meeting-related fatigue and offer actionable strategies to reclaim your energy and protect your well-being.
What Causes Virtual Meeting Fatigue?
The team at Livestorm identified some key factors that contribute to digital fatigue—and these might sound familiar:
Too many daily meetings leave people mentally drained.
Being on camera for long periods adds extra mental pressure.
Meetings that run over time disrupt focus and drain energy.
Lack of physical movement throughout the day reduces motivation and stamina.
Sound familiar? Virtual meetings are necessary for staying connected, but they can leave us more exhausted than productive. The good news is that, with a few strategic adjustments, we can reduce the negative effects of meeting overload.
The Problem Isn’t Meetings—It’s Poorly Planned Meetings
Meetings are here to stay. The answer isn’t to get rid of them completely—as much as we might fantasize about a calendar free of Zoom invites. Just ask Shopify, which recently tried to kill all meetings. It made headlines, but will it stick? Unlikely. They’re not the first to attempt something radical—Airbnb once declared “calendar amnesty,” erasing every scheduled meeting overnight.
It was bliss—for about five minutes. Then, predictably, the chaos began. Assistants scrambled to reschedule everything, and before long, the calendar was just as jam-packed as before.
So, what’s the takeaway? The problem isn’t meetings themselves—it’s poorly executed meetings. Virtual meetings can work when they’re intentional, organized, and productive. In fact, Livestorm found that 35% of respondents struggle to work efficiently with their teams, and 31% find it hard to stay focused during virtual meetings. But with a few thoughtful tweaks, meetings can become a tool for clarity and collaboration rather than a source of fatigue.
Making Virtual Meetings More Effective
At Botree, we’ve apply some tried-and-true tactics to improve meeting culture—both for ourselves and our clients. Here are five tips to make meetings more engaging and productive:
1. Set an Agenda Early On
Don’t wait until the last minute. Add key points to the meeting description so everyone knows what’s on deck. Having a roadmap ensures meetings stay on track. If your team doesn’t have a designated timekeeper, it’s on you to keep things moving.
2. Explore Virtual Spaces for Meetings
3. Use an “After-Party” for Off-Topic Discussions
4. Tackle the Most Important Topics First
5. Always Document and Share Key Takeaways
What About Screen Time Outside of Meetings?
We get it—meetings aren't only part of the problem. The rest of your workday likely involves even more screen time: emails, reports, project management tools, and chat apps. So how do you reduce digital fatigue when it’s coming at you from every angle?
1. Schedule Movement Breaks: Incorporate brief breaks throughout your day to get up and move—stand, stretch, walk around, or squeeze in quick activities like 10 push-ups, calf raises, or walking downstairs to flip the laundry. Even a minute of dancing can do wonders for your energy levels and sharpen your focus. Physical movement isn’t just good for your body—it refreshes your mind, too.
2. Set Clear Work Boundaries: Define specific start and end times for your workday—and stick to them. Think of it like this: during your work hours, you’re fully focused, ready to dive into tasks without distractions. When the day wraps up, flip that mental switch, and give yourself permission to disconnect and enjoy personal time guilt-free. Clear boundaries ensure your work doesn’t creep into your downtime.
3. Minimize Non-Essential Notifications: Protect your focus by turning off unnecessary notifications. Not every email or alert requires your immediate attention, and constant pings can chip away at your productivity. Your focus is a valuable resource—don't let it get hijacked by distractions.
4. Unplug Before Bed: Commit to some screen-free time in the evening. Whether it’s reading, journaling, or practicing mindfulness, winding down without screens can improve your sleep quality and help you relax. There’s plenty of science behind blue light’s impact on sleep—but since we’re digital training providers, we’ll leave that deep dive to the experts.
Finding Balance in a Digital-First World
In today’s virtual work environment, digital fatigue is an inevitable challenge—but it doesn’t have to define your day. With more intentional meetings, healthy boundaries, and thoughtful breaks, you can stay productive and energized without burning out.
The key isn’t eliminating meetings or screen time entirely—it’s about using them effectively. Start making small adjustments today, and you’ll be well on your way to reclaiming your energy, boosting productivity, and creating a better balance between work and life.
