In this blog, you’ll learn why traditional approaches to tackling Zoom fatigue often miss the mark and how new research reveals a surprising cause behind it: Passive fatigue. We’ll explore how under-stimulation affects cognitive performance and what this means for virtual meetings. Finally, we’ll share practical strategies, to make your virtual meetings more engaging and mentally sustainable.
For many, Zoom fatigue is thought to stem from active fatigue, a state of mental exhaustion caused by information overload, constant screen attention, and self-presentation pressures. However, recent research reveals a surprising insight: much of the fatigue experienced during virtual meetings is actually passive fatigue. This lesser-known form of fatigue arises from under-stimulation and low engagement, leading to drowsiness and reduced alertness. While active fatigue is addressed by reducing cognitive demands, passive fatigue requires an entirely different approach.
The science behind passive fatigue
Passive fatigue arises in monotonous environments that fail to sustain mental stimulation. In virtual encounters, this often happens due to limited visual and social cues, static meeting formats, and low participant interaction. Research shows that this can impair cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt to new requirements and shift focus effectively—a critical skill for knowledge workers.
Tackling passive fatigue in virtual meetings
Addressing passive fatigue begins with creating an environment that sustains mental stimulation. A variety of strategies can help make virtual meetings more engaging and reduce the drowsiness associated with passive fatigue:
Encourage dynamic interactions: Fostering discussions, inviting questions, or integrating brainstorming activities ensures active participation and engagement from attendees.
Introduce visual variety: Using tools like whiteboards and polls provide breaks from static visuals and keep attention levels high.
Incorporate movement: Including quick stretches or encouraging participants to stand during transitions can refresh focus and combat fatigue.
Limit meeting duration and frequency: Avoiding back-to-back meetings and keeping sessions concise reduces the mental drain that builds up throughout the day.
Building on these strategies, video setups like Nimagna that present speakers dynamically can further transform the virtual meeting experience. Showing the presenter in a full-body, TV-like format enhances visibility and captures natural gestures and expressions, which mimic in-person interaction. Unlike traditional communication platforms, where speakers are reduced to thumbnail sized images, this approach brings a richer visual experience that reduces monotony and keeps attendees mentally engaged.
Together, these solutions create a multi-dimensional approach to tackling passive fatigue, combining active participation with technology designed to sustain focus and attention.
A More engaging future for virtual collaboration
Dynamic video formats and interactive strategies don’t just make virtual meetings more engaging—they help preserve the cognitive flexibility required for problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration in remote environments. By addressing the under-stimulation that causes passive fatigue, these solutions allow teams to stay productive while protecting their mental energy.
Understanding and addressing passive fatigue transforms virtual meetings from draining obligations into spaces for meaningful interaction and innovation. With thoughtful use of technology and meeting design, remote work can be both engaging and sustainable.
An example of the transformation of a boring presentation into a lively and dynamic one.
References:
Nurmi, N., & Pakarinen, S. (2023). Virtual Meeting Fatigue: Exploring the Impact of Virtual Meetings on Cognitive Performance and Active Versus Passive Fatigue. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
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