By Noreen Braman
Communications & Technology Manager, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program
The wide range of “social technologies” used in the workplace is increasingly becoming the standard for organizations of all types. A 2017 report by McKinsey Digital found:
“... 45 percent say social technologies are very or extremely integrated into day-to-day work at their companies, up from one-third who said so one year before.”
In the three years since that survey was done, usage has continued to rise, with some exponential growth in 2020, especially in the area of video conferencing. During the shutdowns and precautions caused by the pandemic, lawyers are finding themselves more and more working with these digital tools and electronic legal procedures. Email is increasingly replacing phone calls and online collaboration has become a reality as a result of in-person meeting restrictions. It is no surprise that this is causing what is being called “Zoom fatigue” across the legal profession.
Problems range from the technical aspects of both learning new platforms and dealing with internet/Wi-Fi/bandwidth issues, to difficulty with work/life balance. Real physical and psychological effects are occurring because of these changes in how work is being conducted. Lawyers are not only dealing with increased use of technology in their own offices and firms, but also in dealing with courts and legal systems as a whole. Add to it feelings of isolation, additional family responsibilities and possible illness, and it is easy to understand why stress, anxiety and depression are on the rise.
Below are links to articles specifically for lawyers and the fatigue that many are feeling:
TechTank: How Can We Cope With Zoom Fatigue?
Video Meetings Are Killing Your Productivity
Zoom and Gloom: Lawyers Are Growing Tired of Endless Video Calls
A Videoconferencing Guide for Oklahoma Lawyers
Feeling Drained After Zoom Calls? You’re Not Alone
Florida Lawyers Report Videoconferencing Challenges
Dealing With Juror Fatigue in Zoom Trials
Zoom Fatigue Uncovers Mediators’ Secret Weapon
And a good article from the ABA on general self-care for lawyers:
Prioritizing Yourself and Your Practice by Prioritizing Your Health