Is Virtual Reality Draining Your Social Battery?
As regulations tighten amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, so too does the feeling of claustrophobia that comes with the stark reality of self-isolation.
For many of us, the prospect of working remotely seemed like a dream come true. Zero commuting time, no endless office distractions and more time to spend with your loved ones – all from the comfort of your living room. But every rose has its thorn.
Aside from a newfound absence of daily routine or the beck and call of your couch, an unexpected buzzkill to our at-home productivity has reared its head – video calling.
Business-owners and employees across the globe have now turned to video conferencing and group messaging services the likes of Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts in a bid to keep their teams on task and in touch while working from home.
But the constant expectation to be 'switched on' has become more of a sensorial and emotional drain than an aid for the introverts and home schoolers among us.
While most businesses will try to fill the void of physical connection with a mandate to over-communicate, this 'new normal' can quickly morph into a deluge of unnecessary video meetings and the constant ping of chat messages that could have easily been an email or a phone call.
For employees facing additional obstacles such as social anxiety, or a disability that they would not ordinarily disclose in an office environment (including autism spectrum disorder), the impacts of virtual 'social fatigue' can be very real.
The fear of being under heightened scrutiny on a group video call will leave any hardwired introvert feeling as if they have nowhere to hide. The need to maintain constant eye contact and facial gestures to replicate that of a face-to-face interaction can exacerbate our insecurities and ultimately lead to distraction, A.K.A a productivity stalemate.
Throw in the added pressures of 'keeping up appearances' with professional WFH attire and a spotless living room backdrop, or the impossible act of juggling work and home-schooling duties - and you've got a recipe for disaster.
As the line between our work and social lives continues to blur into an amalgamation of virtual meetings, group chats and 'quarantinis', the underlying question is - how do we find the time to recharge our batteries at home?
Start small by switching off your webcam and picking up the phone for a change of pace. Lay down clear ground rules for working remotely and try to stick to a routine (yes, that also includes breaks!). Set a few achievable goals and tasks that will keep you on track and motivated throughout the day.
But most importantly, remember to spend time with yourself. Even in isolation… this is easier said than done.
Image Credit: Timothy Fulton Illustrations