By Jim Kendall, LCSW, CEAP
One of the "gifts" from the COVID-19 pandemic is the emergence and acceptance of virtual meetings (Teams and Zoom). However, the technology can often be a double-edged sword.
The Blessings: Technology has made it possible for us to do business, enterprise-wide, without the extra time and hassle of travel. The added convenience can dramatically increase productivity and increase time for patient care or other duties. The format allows us to participate in crucial meetings from home when they are important but scheduled outside of designated work hours.
The Curse: Virtual meetings can lack the human interactions and dedicated focus that happens when we all gather in a room together. There is a synergy that happens with face-to-face relationships. Meeting virtually also offers the temptation to multitask (i.e. return e-mails, check messages, etc.) and be distracted from the speaker and meeting agenda. While people may be signed into meetings, leading one to assume that they are listening, that may not be the case. Virtual interactions limit the spontaneity of brainstorming during meetings, as well as before or after meetings. Brief conversations can require more effort to organize which can deter one from connecting.
Recommended Tips for a Cure:
- Approach virtual meetings with the same professionalism that you would a face-to-face encounter. Impressions matter. Virtual meetings are an important method of connecting and disseminating information.
- Consider the specific meeting's virtual etiquette. Many groups insists that employees be on camera as they conduct business. While during pandemic times, "experts" told us that to combat 'Zoom Fatigue' we should turn off our cameras, being visible can increase engagement and interactive non-verbal feedback among participants.
- Be mindful of the impression you make on camera as you are "on the clock" even if you are working remotely (your appearance, screen position, your background, and potential distractions).
- If there is a presenter, it is helpful to have some participants on camera to provide cues to the speaker as to the connection that is being made. It is very hard to present to an audience without some facial feedback. The active listening reactions such as a smile or nod of the head helps the presenter know if what they are saying is resonating with the audience.
- Virtual meetings provide time for remote employees to interact with peers, thus is important for team building and a way to check in with one's colleagues.
To learn more about these skills or to access psychological support, both personal and work-related, VUMC faculty, staff, and their spouses can call Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615- 936-1327 and make a confidential appointment to meet with one of our clinical counselors.
