This Week's #ReflectionFriday: The Value of In-Person vs. Virtual Connections

The world I grew up in is a far cry from the one we live in today. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated the growth of remote work, making virtual meetings the new normal almost overnight. Back then, as the world shut down, we had no choice but to work and connect from home. Today, even though the virus still lingers, life has largely returned to normal—except for one major change: the question of whether to work in an office or remotely.

Now, don’t get me wrong; remote or hybrid work has its merits. This week, however, I was reminded of the irreplaceable value of being in person.

So, why is in-person interaction more valuable than virtual? Here are some of the reasons I believe face-to-face communication offers advantages that virtual simply can’t match.

1. Resolving Conflict

Conflict is a natural part of work and life, but handling it through a virtual meeting doesn’t quite allow for the full range of emotional expression. In person, we can convey vulnerability through both our words and body language, creating a more genuine atmosphere for open dialogue. On a video call, however, you’re limited to just words, which can lead to misunderstandings and unresolved tensions.

2. Evaluating Personality Fit

For companies where culture is key, it’s hard to assess whether someone is a good fit for the team—especially during M&As (mergers and acquisitions). When merging with another organization, it’s crucial for leaders to connect on a deeper level and understand their roles moving forward. Face-to-face meetings are essential to see beyond the screen and establish trust and rapport.

3. Delivering Tough Messages

Some may argue that delivering tough news is easier virtually, but I’d disagree. While it may be more comfortable for the manager or leader, the person on the receiving end loses out on the empathy that comes through in-person interactions. When you’re face-to-face, you can better gauge their reaction, offering support and understanding in real-time, which can be more meaningful than a quick virtual conversation.?

4. Building Genuine Connections

Is it possible to create meaningful relationships virtually? Sure—but it’s much harder than in person! Think about meeting someone on a dating app versus in real life. Online, photos and bios can be misleading. But in person, you get an authentic impression and can ask questions in real time, making connections more natural and sincere.?

5. Mentoring

I saved the best for last. If you truly want to learn from someone, nothing beats face-to-face time. Virtual mentoring lacks the spontaneity of in-person interactions, where questions can be asked on the fly and learning happens organically. Today, mentors and mentees often have to schedule calls instead of having impromptu conversations, which, in my opinion, diminishes the value of the experience.

Many people will read this and think, “But I love working remotely!” And I get it—remote work offers flexibility and eliminates the hassle of traffic. But if given the choice, I still believe that nothing is more valuable than being in person. If it’s possible, and if it’s practical, face-to-face interactions will always offer a depth that virtual just can’t replicate.