Remote work has been on quite a tour. It was once a niche option, then COVID-19 propelled it to centre stage, making it a necessity for businesses worldwide. Some companies have embraced the shift, allowing flexibility to remain part of their culture, while others are rolling back remote work, citing concerns about productivity. However, one key factor influencing these decisions is often overlooked; Zoom fatigue. As video meetings become the default form of communication, employees experience disengagement, exhaustion, and a decline in collaboration quality.
While the push for returning to the office has many justifications, Zoom fatigue plays a major role in how remote work is perceived. Left unaddressed, it creates an artificial sense of decreased productivity, rather than a true reflection of remote work’s potential. In this ear-opening talk, Conducting Collaboration: The Impact of Music in Remote Teamwork, Diana Prokusheva explores how integrating music into online meetings can mitigate these challenges, enhancing engagement and focus in remote teams.
Understanding Zoom fatigue
In asking the audience “Could you please raise your hand if you work remotely”, there’s strong representation. “Most of us are working remotely, and you know better than me that we have some advantages.” While remote work eliminates commutes and offers flexibility, it often leads to feelings of disconnection. And lack of personal interaction in virtual environments can result in decreased engagement and participation.
The repetition of back-to-back meetings can create a sense of monotony, leaving employees disengaged and fatigued. This presents a challenge for managers striving to maintain team spirit and a sense of connection in a digital workspace.
Reimagining collaboration through music
To combat these difficulties, Diana introduces the idea of using music to enhance remote teamwork. “Did you know that we spend 11% of our time listening to music? That’s about three hours per day”, she reveals, emphasising the integral role music already plays in our lives. She then asks a thought-provoking question: “How can we use music more effectively?”
Diana shares real-world applications of music in workplace settings, particularly in cross-functional team meetings and user research activities. She suggests that carefully selected background music can transform virtual meetings. For instance, low-tempo music at the start of a meeting can help participants relax and focus.
Crafting the ideal musical atmosphere
Diana provides practical guidance on how to use music strategically in different meeting contexts. “Better to have a background, moderate-tempo music with an uplifting melody”, she advises. This approach helps capture attention, foster engagement, and set a positive tone for discussions. She also explores how different types of music can support specific objectives: “When we want to brainstorm some ideas, we can try turning on high-tempo music with a complex melody.”
Additionally, Diana highlights the importance of personalisation: “It would be useful to know participants’ musical preferences before they join the session”. Tailoring music to suit team members’ tastes can increase comfort and strengthen team cohesion.
Beyond the workplace: Music as a therapeutic tool
Expanding beyond workplace productivity, Diana explores the therapeutic benefits of music. She references studies on its positive effects on individuals with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, stating, “Music can actually help access memory areas we once thought were lost”. By presenting these broader applications, she reinforces the idea that music is a powerful tool for well-being, not just a workplace enhancement.
Exploring new horizons in remote team dynamics
Diana concludes with a key takeaway: “Music is just a helpful tool, but an additional one”. She encourages organisations to experiment with music to see what resonates best with their teams. Implementing small musical changes in virtual meetings can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and improve overall collaboration.
For those eager to explore music’s role in remote teamwork, Diana’s talk offers a roadmap for innovation. As she reminds us, “We can already harness music’s power”. Now is the time for organisations to embrace this creative approach and redefine their virtual workspaces.
For further details on Diana Prokusheva’s insights, watch the full talk and access her presentation slides: