One in four (24 per cent) people have admitted to falling asleep during a video call or virtual event. 

EventsX commissioned a poll of over 500 event goers and business decision makers, via independent polling agency Censuswide, to understand how people have adapted to ‘dialling-in’ to their meetings and events.

In total, 24 percent of event attendees had admitted they had fallen asleep during an online event, a figure which rose substantially to 34 percent of 18-34-year-olds.

Additionally, a quarter (25 percent) confessed that they had consumed alcohol on a video call when they were not supposed to. This rose to almost a third (30 percent) of 18-34-year-olds but dropped to 10 percent of those individuals over 55.

Furthermore, 36 per cent said they have previously played games on their computer during a work call or virtual event that they found boring, a figure which rose dramatically, to almost a half (49 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds.

Individuals highlighted further distractions, with almost half (49 per cent) saying they have answered the door to a delivery driver during a video call or virtual event. A staggering 57 percent of 25-34-year-olds admitted to doing this.

As well as answering the door while on a call, 57 per cent have muted a call to speak to someone in their household, or even to take a phone call, whilst being at an online event or on an online video call.

Shoaib Aslam, Founder of EventsX, commented:

“While falling asleep and consuming alcohol may have a humorous side, online events do present many benefits in our work from anywhere in the world. It is far easier for online event attendees to leave, or multi-task, than it is for those who attend in person, highlighting why creating an interesting and interactive online event is so important.

“Whether someone is highly involved or just a background participant, events should be conducted in an engaging way to allow attendees to take away key information and knowledge.

“Hosting an online event is not necessarily an easy task but by utilising the correct technology, hosts will be able to capitalise on the benefits that online events offer. For example, making switching between talks easy, offering 1-1 chats powered through AI matching technology and easing the process of networking. With these engaging features attendees can absorb themselves in a fulfilling event that does not send them to sleep!”