The Case for In-Person Collaboration

We are more connected than ever to the workplace. The onset of the pandemic introduced an “always-on” approach to the workplace, as well as a number of fresh resources to connect and collaborate when going into the office wasn’t an option. The improved ability to collaborate on projects from anywhere has increased productivity and decreased turnover rates for businesses.

And while collaboration helps with managing constructive feedback, job satisfaction, and understanding objectives, remote collaboration tools and norms can take up a lot of time that distracts from getting real work completed. Peer reviews, status updates, standups, team working sessions, cross functional alignment meetings, leadership check-ins, kickoffs… is work getting done?

While 34% of employees are content with completely working from home, ultimately people tend to be more synergetic in a professional workspace. Those working from home in full-time positions spend 48% less time collaborating with others than they would if they were in the office.

Why In-Person Collaboration Matters

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Though workers are happy to be working from home when they can, there is still a case to be made that in-person collaboration is key in 2023. In person meetings build fluid conversations, foster human connection, and usually aren’t interrupted by bad internet connection or muted mics.

73% of remote workers say that they miss socializing in person which can promote connection to company culture, allowing employees to physically feel more linked to their organization’s mission and ideas. Bouncing ideas off of colleagues in the office can lead to a more productive day and help keep individuals on a routine that is often missing from remote work.

Although workplaces have been adopting the hybrid workplace, the office shouldn’t become obsolete. An in-person environment offers tangible benefits that remain a challenge to recreate at home.

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