59% of Workers Say Communication Tools Boost Productivity, But 45% Consistently Struggle With Zoom Fatigue

Workplace tech is a double-edged sword. While tools like Slack and Zoom have transformed productivity for 59% of workers, 45% report frequent “Zoom fatigue,” with men disproportionately affected.

LiveCareer’s Workplace Technology Survey polled 1,130 U.S. employees on their experiences with technology and workplace communication tools. The results shine a spotlight on the paradox of modern collaboration: When does technology enhance efficiency — and when does it go too far?

Key Findings

45% of workers report feeling “often” or “always” drained by virtual meetings.
Men are more impacted: 49% of men experience constant Zoom fatigue, compared to 40% of women.
59% of employees say tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams enhance their productivity.
But one in five say these tools hurt their productivity.
38% wish their companies had more AI-powered tools.

Zoom Fatigue Affects 3 Out of 4 Workers

While virtual communication has proven to be a vital tool for collaboration, it also takes a toll on employees, with significant numbers experiencing burnout and fatigue from frequent online meetings.

45% of workers report feeling drained by virtual meetings “often” or “always.”
- Men are more impacted: 49% of men experience constant Zoom fatigue, compared to 40% of women.
- Women report less burnout: 30% of women say they “rarely” or “never” experience fatigue, while only 20% of men feel the same.
30% of workers sometimes experience Zoom fatigue.
Only one in four workers say they rarely or never experience burnout from virtual meetings.

What this means: While virtual meetings are essential for collaboration, their overuse is leading to significant fatigue, particularly among men. Organizations should consider limiting unnecessary meetings, incorporating meeting-free days, and encouraging alternative communication methods to reduce burnout.

Communication Tools Drive Productivity — But Not for Everyone

The data highlights a divided perception of workplace communication tools. While most employees (59%) see tools like Slack and Teams as productivity boosters, one in five workers report that these tools hinder their efficiency.

59% say tools like Slack and Teams improve productivity.
20% report these tools hinder their efficiency.
21% feel they have no impact.

What this means: Although most employees view communication tools as productivity enhancers, a notable minority feel hindered by them. Companies should evaluate how these tools are implemented and ensure training and usage guidelines are optimized to maximize their benefits while minimizing distractions.

Tools Employees Want vs. Tools They Have

Employees value communication platforms but see gaps in their company’s tech offerings:

Most used tools:

Communication platforms (Slack, Teams, Zoom): 72%
Time-tracking software (Harvest, Clockify): 44%
Task management tools (Asana, Trello): 41%
AI-powered tools (ChatGPT, Grammarly): 41%
Professional development platforms (Skillshare, Udemy): 19%

Most desired tools:

52% wish their companies had better time-tracking software.
45% want enhanced task management tools.
38% seek more AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly.
25% would like more professional development platforms.

What this means: There is a gap between the tools employees use and those they desire, such as AI-powered solutions and better time-tracking software. Employers should prioritize investing in technologies that align with worker preferences to enhance efficiency and satisfaction.

Methodology

The findings presented were obtained by surveying 1,130 American workers on Nov. 27, 2024, about technology and communications workplace tools. They answered different types of questions, including yes/no, open-ended, scale-based questions where respondents indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice where they could select from a list of provided options.

For press inquiries, contact Elizabeth Buccianti, senior manager of public relations, at elizabeth.buccianti@bold.com.