Why Workers Still See Value in Office Meetings

A recent survey has highlighted that most UK employees believe in-person working is fair when it provides real value to the business

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Personnel Today

While remote working has gained popularity, workers still see significant advantages in collaborating face-to-face, particularly for tasks that require building relationships, fostering engagement and making quick decisions.

The Benefits of In-Person Interaction

The research revealed that most employees recognise the benefits of in-person interaction in certain business activities. A substantial 45% of workers believe in-person collaboration helps build stronger relationships, while 43% feel it boosts engagement during meetings. Additionally, 36% say it helps speed up decision-making processes. These findings show that face-to-face interactions are still seen as essential for certain types of collaboration.

When it comes to specific work tasks, employees have clear preferences about when they want to be physically present in the office. According to the survey, 57% of employees preferred to conduct planning meetings in person, while 62% agreed that creative brainstorming sessions and review meetings should also take place face-to-face. These tasks, which often require high levels of collaboration and creativity, are seen as more effective when conducted in person.

Choice and Flexibility

However, the flexibility to decide when and how to attend work remains a key concern for many employees. Despite recognising the value of in-person collaboration, workers overwhelmingly want the freedom to work remotely when appropriate. For instance, meetings that can be easily conducted from home or another remote location include internal catchups (54%) and weekly status calls (58%).

The survey also delved into employees’ preferences regarding business relationships. It found that 59% of workers are more likely to spend additional money with a supplier they have met in person. Additionally, 73% feel more confident in finalising business deals after meeting face-to-face. This is partly due to the ability to address complex or sensitive issues more effectively in person as well as the opportunity to establish trust and read non-verbal cues.

This shift in preference towards a balanced hybrid approach underscores the importance of flexibility in today’s work environment. The evolving landscape of work is increasingly blending remote and in-person collaboration, with employees expecting their employers to embrace a flexible, adaptive approach to both.

Workplace Preferences and Productivity

The study also found that workers are generally more productive when they can alternate between working remotely and attending in-person meetings. 60% of employees said that having the flexibility to choose when to be in the office positively impacted their work-life balance. A further 55% reported that the option to work from home for certain tasks allowed them to be more focused and efficient.

Similarly, 67% of workers stated that they are more likely to stay with a company that offers a hybrid work model, citing better work-life balance and higher job satisfaction.

The key takeaway from this research is that while in-person interactions are crucial for relationship-building, decision-making and complex discussions, workers also value the flexibility of remote work. A hybrid model that balances both aspects seems to be the ideal solution for the modern workplace.