AI, First Impressions, and the Debate on In-Person vs. Online Connection in the Workplace

As the debate over remote vs. in-office work continues, a common argument for returning to physical workplaces is that human connection is stronger in person than online. However, research challenges this assumption, showing that virtual interactions, when structured well and supported by AI, can be just as effective for building connections.

Are First Impressions Different Online vs. In-Person?

A study published in British Psychological Society Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin by Emma Young asks whether first impressions on Zoom differ from those in face-to-face meetings. The findings showed that people can assess personalities just as accurately online as in person, and likability ratings were similar across both settings. This suggests that digital interactions can successfully replicate key elements of in-person communication especially when they are well-facilitated.

However, while first impressions may be comparable, long-term relationship-building presents a different challenge. Casual, spontaneous conversations—like those at the office coffee machine—are harder to replicate in a structured virtual setting. These moments of informal interaction often contribute to a sense of belonging, collaboration, and team cohesion.

In a survey by?Forbes?that spoke to 760 business executives, 84% preferred face-to-face communication. Of those, 85% said their reason was that it builds stronger, more meaningful business relationships. Respondents also said that face-to-face meetings are best for persuasion (91%), leadership (87%), and engagement (86%).

The Case for In-Person Interaction

The strongest argument for in-person work is that it allows for richer non-verbal cues, unplanned social moments, and deeper relationship-building. Face-to-face communication makes it easier to pick up on body language, tone, and subtle expressions that contribute to trust and team bonding.

Additionally, social dynamics often feel more natural in person. Studies have shown that people can form stronger emotional bonds through shared physical space, whether through collaboration, informal chats, or simply the act of working side by side. These organic interactions can foster creativity, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance workplace culture.

Task Completion - Research by Deloitte indicates that AI-driven follow-up tools can improve task completion rates by 40%, ensuring more effective execution of meeting outcomes.

How AI Enhances Online Interaction

Despite these advantages, online meetings do not necessarily weaken human connection—especially as AI enhances virtual communication. AI-driven tools are now helping to bridge the gap between in-person and digital interactions in several ways:

• Real-time audio and video enhancement: AI tools like Nvidia Broadcast improve sound and video quality, ensuring professional and distraction-free conversations.
• Engagement tracking: AI-powered meeting platforms analyse participation and sentiment, nudging speakers and ensuring inclusive discussions.
• AI-generated meeting summaries: Tools like Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai summarise key points, ensuring clarity and follow-through on action items.
• Virtual co-presence: AI is being used to create immersive environments that replicate physical office interactions, such as spatial audio that mimics real-life proximity in virtual meetings.

Productivity Gains - Major consulting firms have reported that employees save up to seven hours per week by integrating AI tools into their workflows, allowing more focus on high-value tasks.

How to Make a Strong Virtual First Impression

Whether in-person or online, making a great first impression matters. Here’s how AI and human effort can enhance virtual presence:

1. Optimise Your Environment: Ensure a clean, professional background with proper lighting. AI-powered virtual backgrounds can help maintain a polished look.
2. Maintain a Professional Appearance: Dress appropriately as you would in a face-to-face setting.
3. Leverage AI Tools: Use AI enhancements to improve audio, video, and engagement, making interactions feel more natural.
4. Engage Actively: Look into the camera to mimic eye contact, use hand gestures, and provide feedback to show attentiveness.
5. Encourage Informal Interactions: Schedule virtual coffee chats or team-building activities to replicate the informal moments that happen in an office.

My Conclusion: A Hybrid Future of Connection

While face-to-face interactions excel in deep relationship-building, virtual meetings—when designed thoughtfully and supported by AI—can be just as effective in fostering professional connections. The ideal approach for many organisations is a hybrid model, leveraging AI-enhanced virtual communication alongside periodic in-person interactions.

As AI continues to improve digital engagement, the workplace debate should shift from “office vs. remote” to “how can we create meaningful human connections, regardless of location?” Subscribe for this article next week.

?Sources:

• British Psychological Society Article - Cognition and perception, Social and behavioural - Five new rules of first impressions 07 February 2025 By Emma Young
• British Psychological Society Article - Digital and technology, Work and occupational - Are first impressions on Zoom the same as face-to-face? New research takes a look at whether video calls actually make it harder to form that all-important first impression. 11 October 2024 By Emma Young