Videoconference fatigue: validation of the Italian translated Zoom Exhaustion and Fatigue Scale (ZEFS)

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread lockdowns as governments sought to contain the spread of the virus and minimize fatalities. Measures such as the stay-at-home orders imposed in Italy and the suspension of non-essential economic activities disrupted work and education worldwide. Telework, previously used by only one in five workers, gained prominence, albeit unevenly across countries. The surge in telework required the extensive use of video conferencing platforms. However, prolonged use of these platforms led to ‘Zoom fatigue’, characterized by mental fatigue and exhaustion. Objectives: The aim of this study is to validate the Zoom Exhaustion & Fatigue Scale (ZEFS) in its Italian version, examining its relationship with videoconferencing characteristics, and outcomes such as emotional exhaustion, sleep problems, and technostress. Method: The study included a sample of 372 workers (50% female) who held video conferences at least once a week. They were asked to complete an online self-report questionnaire. Results: The results confirmed the original structure of the scale and identified a second-order factor and the five dimensions of Zoom fatigue, namely general fatigue, visual fatigue, social fatigue, emotional fatigue, and motivational fatigue. In addition, Zoom fatigue was positively correlated with sleep problems, emotional exhaustion, techno-stressors, frequency of video conferences and burstiness, and negatively correlated with attitudes toward video conferences, confirming the construct validity of the ZEFS. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the Italian version of the ZEFS is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing Zoom fatigue in the Italian working population. The practical implications are discussed.