There’s no doubt that the digital revolution has been a mostly positive experience for the better part of two decades, especially within the business world. Having readily available computers, phones, high-speed internet access, and other popular tech resources have made it infinitely easier to handle common work tasks. Our world moves so fast that we hardly ever take the time to point out the negatives. As beneficial as this tech is, there are certainly some issues that need to be worked out.
Recognizing the issues with widely used tech solutions was more challenging prior to the start of the pandemic. This was likely due to the fact that, despite web-based business activity being increasingly popular among all businesses, it was not mandatory for success. But as we all experienced first hand, the coronavirus forced the global workforce to make lemonade out of some pretty bad lemons, practically forcing the majority of the economy to shift online.
At first, it didn’t seem like such a big deal. COVID restrictions were originally meant to be temporary measures, so using video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams to keep things moving for a few weeks seemed like the perfect solution. And it was. For a while. Until the restrictions kept on for the better part of 16 months. The temporary fix became a permanent fixture, and consistent use of this tech formed a widespread condition that is currently plaguing workers across the globe: Zoom Fatigue.
The name really says it all; workers are getting tired of video conferencing every day. As convenient as it may be to use video conferencing for team meetings, this approach loses the organic nature and informality of physical interactions. Not only that, video conferences have a reputation for being overly professional environments, and employees may not feel as comfortable acting as themselves when constantly being monitored.
Pandemic restrictions are still being implemented across the world, meaning video conferencing will likely remain a staple resource in corporate environments until this crisis is officially over (whenever that may be). So what can be done about Zoom fatigue in the meantime? Going back to physical meetings isn’t really on the table at this point. However, one option that is growing in popularity is a virtual office: a digital platform where employees can create avatars, and interact with other teammates within the metaverse.
Companies like Roblox, Stageverse, and Rec Room have developed platforms that allow users to maintain the same communications methods that anyone might find in a standard video conference, but with a more relaxed and interactive experience that feels closer to reality. Some of these platforms have VR capabilities, which creates an even higher sense of immersion, and allows users to feel like they're in a simulated version of a typical office environment. The virtual worlds created by these developers are attempting to elevate the boring, routine video conferences, into an immersive experience that is much closer to a real setting.
Video conferencing has been a major asset over the last two years, and will be for the foreseeable future. But like all things in life, too much of a good thing can turn out bad. Workers are sick of sitting in front of computer screens, staring at talking heads day after day. The metaverse offers an alternative experience that provides the same communications you would find in a standard conferencing platform, but with the added bonus of a fun, interactive experience. If your suffering from Zoom fatigue, consider the metaverse to bing your work experience back to life.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
