Why In-Person Work Still Matters

It’s hard to believe how long it’s been since remote work became our “new normal.” In a world where many of us have traded long commutes and water-cooler chats for Zoom fatigue and Slack pings, it can be easy to forget what made in-person work so valuable and why folks still light up at the chance to be together.

But in-person gatherings aren’t just a box to check or a grant deliverable to meet. They meet deep human needs that screens simply can’t replicate.

But in-person gatherings aren’t just a box to check or a grant deliverable to meet. They meet deep human needs that screens simply can’t replicate. Last month, True You Maryland held an in-person project-wide meeting for partners across the state that left everyone with more than just strategies and plans. We asked attendees, “What do you value about being together in person?” Here’s what they had to say.

“Human connection. Warmer conversations. Being in the same environment.”

Unsurprisingly, the top response was simply being around other people and the power of real human connection. Attendees shared that being in person makes them “feel less alone and more united” and that they value “sharing ideas, learning about each other, and hugs!”

There’s even a certain reunion feel to these meetings: “I value the opportunity to connect with former coworkers and people I haven’t seen in a while… being able to meet the people that I typically see on screen.” Being together allows us to bond and strengthen relationships in a way that virtual calls just don’t capture. One person simply said they value “laughs.” And honestly, same.

“Sense of community”

Remote work takes away those hallway chats and “stop by my desk” side conversations that help build community and foster belonging. When we’re all in the same space, we bring those moments back, whether it’s walking past an old colleague in between sessions or sitting with a new one at lunch. Attendees really loved “the in-between session chit chats and opportunities to get to know each other informally” and the “ease of connection, lack of distraction, and camaraderie.”

There is also something to be said about witnessing and supporting the work of your colleagues in real life, rather than just through a shared virtual presentation. As another attendee noted, “I value others’ input from their communities and the suggestions they bring to the group. The support from the entire group is fantastic!”

“More organic conversation”

Face-to-face settings unlock a different level of conversation, one with more depth and spontaneity.

Face-to-face settings unlock a different level of conversation, one with more depth and spontaneity. Sometimes the best conversations come from those unstructured moments—a random encounter at the coffee station or a follow-up chat after an engaging keynote presentation. As one attendee noted, being together allows “getting more in-depth than we can on a Zoom meeting,” with others adding that the “increased level of engagement and connection” was important to them.

Showing up together also lets everyone get out of their usual environment (whether at home or in an office) and focus on one thing, rather than worrying about the to-do list that’s now longer than a CVS receipt. Conversations become richer and more engaging when we’re sharing space with folks who are all on the same page.

“Sharing experiences”

Sure, we talk about our experiences on video calls all the time. But there’s something about sharing these stories with others face-to-face that adds an extra layer of connectedness among us and to our work. One partner noted that “making connections in person feels to me like it is more solid and productive,” while others added that they enjoy learning new ideas and taking them back to their individual settings. Another partner summed this up perfectly when they shared that they value “seeing everyone in person! Talking about their wins and their strides. Creating space for new ideas and creative solutions to shared challenges.” I love the moments where formal facilitation is no longer needed because the conversation has taken off—successes are being celebrated, problems are being solved, and no one wants to move on to the next part of the agenda because the discussion has gotten that good.

 One response captured the energy of the day perfectly: “I love being able to hear and learn what members of the team are implementing and having success with. I enjoy people, and being together always reminds me [of] what amazing people surround me in this room.” Truthfully, when I think about what I value most about in-person gatherings, this is it. Turns out, no remote work software has figured out how to replicate this energy (yet). But when it comes to being in a room with incredible people doing incredible work (and having fun while doing it!), I don’t think I’d be interested in that subscription anyway.