Still Feeling the Pressure: Stress in Online Conferences Five Years Later
Virtual meetings continuing to evoke stress for numerous participants - Virtual gatherings continue to induce stress for numerous participants
Five years after the coronavirus pandemic transformed our work environments, online meetings remain a stressful experience for many. According to a survey conducted by Logitech, 27% of respondents reported a stress level of 7 or higher just 15 minutes before an online conference with external parties, compared to 21% before a meeting with colleagues. This stress gap is especially noticeable between women and men, and older and younger workers.
Gender and Stress Levels
Surprisingly, gender stereotypes might not hold up in the digital workspace. Female respondents reported high stress levels more frequently in all three scenarios - discussions with external partners, colleagues, and other scenarios. The largest difference was observed in conversations with external parties, where 33% of women and 22% of men reported high stress levels.
Age Matters
Contrary to popular belief, middle-aged individuals experienced the most stress during online conferences. Younger and older employees were typically more relaxed.
Preference for Virtual Meetings
Despite the stress, respondents weren't entirely averse to virtual meetings. Thirty percent of participants showed a preference for virtual meetings, while 36% preferred physical meetings. Interestingly, women and middle-aged workers, who reported higher stress levels, were slightly more likely to prefer virtual meetings.
Technical Hiccups: A Major Source of Stress
Technical issues play a significant role in adding to stress, with 29% of respondents reporting such problems and 12% avoiding or canceling online meetings due to fear of technical difficulties. However, 67% of participants felt well-equipped to handle virtual meetings, with little difference between office and home environments.
Logitech's Serkan Ates emphasizes that reliable meeting technology can offer a competitive advantage by reducing frustration, boosting performance, and increasing satisfaction. The survey, conducted by YouGov in April, polled around 2,110 individuals primarily working on a computer.
- Coronavirus
- Video Conference
- Logitech
- Computer
- Munich
Behind the Scenes of Stress
Social anxiety, unfamiliarity with virtual communication, and technical difficulties all contribute to the stress experienced during online conferences. Women, men, and individuals of different age groups may have distinct stress factors based on psychological and social influences, digital literacy, and personal preferences.
For example, women and men may face unique stressors due to their communication styles, social expectations, or concerns about negative judgments. Older adults might find virtual meetings more challenging because of their limited experience with technology, while younger participants typically have higher digital literacy, making them more comfortable in such settings.
Technical issues such as unreliable internet connections, software malfunctions, and platform unfamiliarity can create anxiety about participation and performance. Participants may worry about being unheard or unnoticed due to technical glitches, appearing unprepared, or dealing with background noise and interruptions. Additionally, the absence of natural social cues and communication delays can amplify feelings of uncertainty and social anxiety.
In sum, online conferences remain stressful for many due to a combination of individual and technological factors. By understanding these stressors and investing in reliable technology, organizations can help their employees stay stress-free and productive during virtual meetings.
- The coronavirus pandemic, five years ago, significantly altered our work environments, with online conferences still causing stress for a considerable number of employees.
- Logitech, a technology company, conducted a survey that revealed 27% of respondents reported high stress levels just 15 minutes before an online conference with external parties, compared to 21% before a meeting with colleagues.
- Despite the stress associated with online conferences, 30% of participants expressed a preference for virtual meetings, with women and middle-aged workers, who reported higher stress levels, being slightly more likely to prefer them.
- Technical issues, such as unfamiliarity with virtual communication platforms, unreliable internet connections, and software malfunctions, are significant contributors to the stress experienced during online conferences.
- Logitech's Serkan Ates highlights that integration of reliable meeting technology can provide a competitive advantage by alleviating frustration, enhancing performance, and increasing satisfaction among employees.
