Is “Zoom Fatigue” Real? Video Conferencing Boosts Productivity but Worsens Well-Being

Abstract

Video conferencing has become a predominant mode of workplace meetings, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. In this research, we integrate objective self-awareness theory with the interface design of video conferencing tools to explain the mixed implications of video conferencing for employees. We hypothesize that time spent on video conferencing is positively related to state self-consciousness (i.e., being conscious about one’s self as the object of awareness). State self-consciousness, in turn, is positively related to work productivity but at the same time negatively related to well-being. We further hypothesize that introverted employees are more affected by participation in video conferencing than their extroverted counterparts. In a study employing experience sampling methodology among 144 United Kingdom-based employees who were working remotely on account of the mandatory closure of the workplace, we found evidence for the hypotheses. Specifically, time spent on video conferencing on a workday increased state self-consciousness on that day, which, in turn, increased work productivity. The negative relationship between state self-consciousness and the moderating effect of extraversion received marginal support. A supplementary experimental study further tested the tenet of objective self-awareness theory. We discuss the implications of our findings for how organizations can manage video conferencing as they move to remote work at unprecedented rates.