You’ve likely felt it: that exhausted, antsy sensation following hours filled with consecutive video meetings. Dubbed “Zoom fatigue,” researchers and thought leaders have described how the condition doesn’t affect everyone uniformly: some people dislike being “on camera” all day, while others might feel energized by talking and seeing colleagues face-to-face.
Everything DiSC®, however, breaks our behavior down into four styles. As you’ll see, your unique DiSC profile can play a significant role in how you experience Zoom fatigue, and how you can recover from it.
Remember DiSC’s Four Styles:
- D for Dominance
- i for Influence
- S for Steadiness
- C for Conscientiousness
Let’s review how Zoom fatigue can uniquely affect everyone’s DiSC® style. Plus, get ready tactics to bounce back.
1. D Style (Dominance): Results-Oriented, Quick Thinkers Who Hate Wasting Time
Everything DiSC® D styles live by the mantra, “What do we want to accomplish?” They’re the boss of charging after goals and holding others accountable along the way.
How Zoom Fatigue Affects Them
- Unnecessary meetings. Repetitive discussions. Slow talkers.
- If there’s not a clear objective or action item, Zoom meetings can seem like a waste of valuable time to D styles.
- Strict conversational turn-taking can also frustrate Ds who might want to problem-solve without pause.
How to Overcome Zoom Fatigue
- Cut down on meeting times and run efficient meetings. Circulate agendas in advance, and dive into actionable items.
- Delegate to breakout groups. Give D personalities permission to lead a subgroup or pair up with another employee to solve the problem.
- Allow for independent problem-solving. Don’t be afraid to let them jump into a challenge – and give others the same space to do so.
2. i Style (Influence): People Pleasers who Love Attention and Human Interaction
Do you have an extroverted teammate who lives for small talk? They’re likely an Everything DiSC® Influence style.
Everything about i’s is about communicating with others. They’re the biggest laughers (and talkers) in group chats and meetings.
How Zoom Fatigue Affects Them
- Video chats don’t compare to real-life conversations.
- Yes, we can see (and hear) each other on Zoom. But subtle social cues like body language and in-person charisma are lost on video.
- Even the most extroverted of us can feel drained by endless video calls.
How to Overcome Zoom Fatigue
- Schedule social time. Five-minute check-ins without an agenda can help satiate your i teammate’s need for socialization.
- Encourage participation. Organize meetings with polls, Q&As, and virtual whiteboards.
- Switch up your meeting mediums. Use asynchronous tools like discussion boards, or switch to good ol’ phone calls when you don’t need to see everyone.
3. S Style (Steadiness): Patient, Dependable, and Value Relationships
Employees who demonstrate high Steadiness are deeply committed to building strong relationships. They may even be considered Introvert leaning.
How Zoom Fatigue Affects Them
- If you’re an S style that dreads virtual meetings, consider that large meetings can be just as taxing on introverts.
- Speaking up for prolonged periods or standing out in a virtual crowd can tire out your S employees.
How to Overcome Zoom Fatigue
- Limit time in large groups. Facilitate small group collaboration and one-on-ones whenever possible.
- Foster group connection. Allow employees to share how their day is going at the start of meetings.
- Make videoing optional. Some days will feel like you need to video conference, but if your S employee needs a break, they should feel empowered to use the phone or join by audio only.
4. C Style (Conscientiousness): Analytical, Processor, Perfectionists
C styles crave order, logic, and carefully thought-out plans. There’s a reason why so many employees — and employers! — fall into this Everything DiSC® category.
How Zoom Fatigue Affects Them
On video calls, precious time is spent:
- Decoding personal interactions.
- Reading into little gestures.
- Staring at themselves during computer glitches.
How to Overcome Zoom Fatigue
- Communicate ahead of time. Share as much information as possible in written form, so they know what to expect during the meeting.
- Have asynchronous conversations. If video and screen sharing isn’t necessary, move dense discussions to audio-only.
- Give them time to think. Unlike their D-style counterparts, Cs may need time to collect their thoughts before they speak.
Three Tools That Will Help Every DiSC Style Cope
In addition to the above tips, consider implementing these three tools to support all DiSC styles:
1. Manage your boundaries
Zoom fatigue can creep up when we’re not careful about managing our boundaries. Block off time in your calendar to create breaks between meetings. Say no to unnecessary meetings. Guard your deep-focus time.
2. Make video optional
Not every meeting requires you to be on camera. If you’re sharing data or catching up one-on-one, use audio or group chat to rest your brain.
3. Lean on digital tools
Whether you’re pausing your video to hide self-view or scrolling through a threaded conversation on Zoom’s chat feature, allow yourself to lean on digital tools to ease anxiety. Your brain will thank you.
Learn more through Everything DiSC Styles
Just as your preferred DiSC style shapes how you work, it also defines how you experience virtual meeting exhaustion. While some DiSC styles might struggle with online collaboration, others might find video conferences invigorating. The key is to assess your style’s unique triggers and adapt your processes and tool usage to conserve energy, build connection, and remain productive. Do you recharge from social interaction or quiet reflection?
