It’s no secret that the world has become digital. From our social lives to our work lives, we spend the majority of our days in front of a screen—whether it’s a phone, a tablet, or a computer. Face-to-face communication can easily be kicked to the curb for the speed and convenience of digital connection. In-person meetings are being replaced in the business world for the efficiency of e-mail, phone, or instant messaging. While more tasks may be accomplished at a quicker pace, the personal touch and respective relationship is minimal, if at all existent.
A successful business requires personal connections, and flourishes by continuously building upon relationships. Emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication are essential to make your business not only survive, but also thrive. It may be time to step away from your screens and discover the power of human connection. Face-to-face communication is still the best way to get things done, after all. Here are 4 reasons face-to-face communication is important in the workplace.
- It helps you detect nonverbal cues to better interpret thoughts and feelings. About 93% of our communication effectiveness is established nonverbally. Communication is more effective face-to-face because you can read body language, tone, feelings, and reactions. These things can easily be misinterpreted through digital interactions.
- Things get done. While technology is often more convenient and can speed things up, in-person meetings can boost creativity and collaboration. This can help tasks get accomplished quicker and with more enthusiasm. A simple 5-minute meeting face-to-face could eliminate the time and effort of a 20-message e-mail thread.
- It builds trust and credibility. A personal (and face-to-face) connection with someone minimizes misinterpretation and misunderstanding, shows your true emotions and reactions, and therefore, builds credibility and establishes trust. Not only is this beneficial between leaders and employees, but also with potential partners and clients. It’s important to determine whether a potential partner or client’s values align with your company’s values in order to build trust. This is only possible to discover through face-to-face communication.
- It adds a more personal touch. Most importantly, face-to-face communication provides a feeling of community and camaraderie. It’s easier to socialize and build a bond for lasting relationships by communicating in-person. Don’t lose out on a meaningful connection by only communicating digitally.
While technology is ideal for many things, human connection is not one of them. Sure, it can help you stay in touch with people you’ve met throughout the years, but don’t forget that relationships can only grow with face-to-face communication.
As a freelancer, entrepreneur, small business, or startup, most communication is done digitally due to remote work. That does not have to be the norm, however. Intelligent Office offers conference room rentals, coworking space, and virtual office space, which allow you to meet clients in person, speak to employees face-to-face, and hold efficient and effective meetings.
If you’re tired of communicating through a screen, contact Intelligent Office today because face-to-face communication will never go out of style in the workplace.
