New findings challenge the notion that fatigue from virtual meetings stems from mental overload. Instead, a study conducted by Aalto University suggests that sleepiness during such meetings is primarily caused by mental underload and boredom, particularly among individuals who are less engaged in their work. The research sheds light on the factors contributing to virtual meeting fatigue and emphasizes the importance of maintaining engagement and minimizing multitasking.

The study, led by Assistant Professor Niina Nurmi, involved monitoring heart rates during both virtual and face-to-face meetings. The researchers observed 44 knowledge workers across nearly 400 meetings and analyzed heart rate variability to examine different types of fatigue experiences.

Contrary to the popular belief of mental overload being the main cause of virtual meeting fatigue, the study found that sleepiness during these meetings is linked to mental underload and boredom. Nurmi commented, "'I expected to find that people get stressed in remote meetings. But the result was the opposite – especially those who were not engaged in their work quickly became drowsy during remote meetings." This suggests that individuals who lack enthusiasm and engagement in their work are more likely to experience exhaustion during virtual meetings.

Interestingly, the format of the meeting had limited effects on highly engaged and enthusiastic workers who were able to stay active even during virtual meetings. However, those with low work engagement found virtual meetings particularly tiring. The under-stimulation and limited cognitive cues in virtual meetings make it more challenging to maintain focus, especially when cameras are turned off, leading participants to compensate by multitasking.

While an appropriate level of stimulation is beneficial for the brain, multitasking during virtual meetings poses a significant mental burden. The study highlights that only highly automated tasks, such as walking, can be properly carried out during a virtual meeting. Nurmi emphasizes, "If you're trying to focus on two things that require cognitive attention simultaneously, you can't hear if something important is happening in the meeting. Alternatively, you have to constantly switch between tasks. It's really taxing for the brain."

The research presents important insights for organizations and individuals navigating the virtual meeting landscape. Understanding the factors contributing to fatigue can help leaders and employees create strategies to enhance engagement and minimize the mental burden of multitasking. The findings also underscore the need for effective virtual meeting practices that provide adequate sensory input and cognitive cues to reduce mental underload and combat boredom.

The study, published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, represents a significant contribution to the growing body of research on virtual meeting fatigue. As remote work continues to be a prevalent mode of communication, further studies in this area will undoubtedly prove valuable in supporting the well-being and productivity of individuals navigating the virtual workspace.