Why Face-Time Matters
While the ease of digital communication may seem to foster efficiency, there is is no substitute for face-to-face connection.
This article was written and scheduled before the current coronavirus crisis. We do believe that under normal circumstances face-to-face collaboration should be emphasized more, but in times like this we are grateful for remote work.
Offices around the world are increasingly empty. Organizations of all sizes and sectors are confronting the opportunities and limitations of technology and remote work. In many ways, it enables teams to be endlessly efficient and flexible, but what are we losing in the process?
Day-to-day, our exchange of information is overwhelming. Email, text messaging, document sharing, and videoconferencing makes us feel that we are “connecting” more frequently. While this ease of communication may seem to foster efficiency, there is a significant amount of information that is lost through these limited interactions, and the culture within our organizations can suffer if there is a significant relational deficit.
At Link2Lift, we are committed to researching this delicate balance. We are aware of the importance and opportunity of remote work, our team often works remotely, and there are many benefits. However, when teams lose regular face-to-face connection, culture and productivity suffer.
Lost in Digital Translation
We often underestimate the amount of information that is lost when we communicate digitally. Approximately 80 percent of all communication is nonverbal. Facial expressions, hand gestures and body language cannot be communicated over a phone call, and certainly do not translate into emojis or subtleties in our text messages and emails. Even when we can hear the tone of someone’s voice over the phone, we are still only getting 20 percent of what that person is saying. This is why nearly 100 percent of people say that in-person meetings are essential for long-term business relationships.
It only makes sense that this loss of information leads to less productive remote meetings (even when the internet connection and audio runs smoothly.) In-person meetings generate more ideas than remote meetings, and 90 percent of people say that small in-person meetings are their favorite communication method.
In a Harvard Business Journal article, “Why Remote Work Thrives in Some Companies and Fails in Others”, the distinction between communication, coordination and culture is explained. Connection is a lot more than an exchange of information. It is also coordination of procedure, and an opportunity to build culture. All of these critical pieces can suffer with remote work, and must be addressed strategically and intentionally.
In the end, most people are happier meeting with their team in-person, and prioritizing face-time leads to more productive organizations.
So, how can we utilize technology, allow workers to be remote and flexible, while also fostering connectivity and strong relationships with staff? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider the unique opportunities in your organization to increase face-to-face connection.
A face-to-face request is 34 times more successful than an email
In person meetings build trust and allow you to be more persuasive. A study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology used the examples of asking for donations and requesting surveys over email or in person, and found that in-person meetings were significantly more effective. If your organization currently sends requests to clients, team members and stakeholders primarily over email, it is worth considering that your effectiveness and influence could increase by prioritizing face-to-face meetings.
Building culture is a bottom-line issue
Investing in space and team culture leads to happier and more productive teams. How can you design your space and culture so that the team wants to be in the office? Reach out to us to explore the unique opportunities your organization has to increase face-to-face connection effectiveness.
