Remote meeting technology has come a long way, and we’re much better equipped to handle meetups online via Zoom, Meet, Teams, and other online conferencing software. However, sometimes remote contact just doesn’t cut it. Here are a few benefits that in-person meetings have over online video conferences, and where to find a good meeting room in Nashville.
1. Faster Problem-Solving
There’s something special about meeting up in person for a presentation or to solve a complex problem. When everyone is together in the same space, they often reach a conclusion much more quickly than if they had conducted the meeting online. There are tons of studies on the efficacy of in-person vs. virtual meetings, and most agree that you’ll get to a solution much quicker when you’re sharing the same physical space. There are plenty of reasons why this is likely true, but one of the biggest is communication.
An in-person meeting gives people the chance to avoid miscommunications due to technical issues. It only takes a brief hiccup of someone’s internet connection to completely derail their point, leading to time spent repeating themselves and muddying the point they were trying to make. Sometimes, things just don’t work at all when you’re meeting online. A screen share that has worked dozens of times suddenly won’t start. Maybe one of the people required for the meeting had their computer restart right in the middle of the presentation. We have all dealt with lengthy system updates that come at inopportune times, and they can substantially set back a meeting. Ultimately, we solve issues faster when we gather in person because we don’t have technical limitations.
Can a presentation freeze up when you’re all in the same room? Sure. But you can use that proximity to others to pivot and communicate your point using other tools quickly. Since everyone has physically gathered in a space, they’re less likely to want to reschedule and head back to their desks. This desire to solve a problem in one meeting can save a lot of time and headaches for everyone involved.
2. Face-to-Face Interaction
Video chats are a good way to stay in touch and see your coworkers while you talk with them, but video doesn’t match in-person, face-to-face interaction. One of the big benefits of in-person meetings is the ability to gauge interest and the nonverbal opinions of attendants by observing their body language. You don’t need to be a body language expert to tell when someone is bored or frustrated with something if you’re watching them.
Every year, fewer online meetings incorporate video at all, meaning you may be in a virtual meeting room that’s nothing more than a conference call with no visuals. This greatly inhibits the efficiency of a meeting because people can lose focus or step away for a second without anyone knowing. Being able to sense when someone may have a question they’re hesitant to ask can help a meeting leader cut through awkward pleasantries and get to the core of the issue much more quickly. Studies have also shown that coworkers who regularly interact in person have higher morale and feel that they’re part of a team. As a manager, this camaraderie can mean your team is communicating more effectively, and it also helps reduce the number of interpersonal issues that sometimes arise when people from diverse backgrounds collaborate. The bottom line is that video chats are less productive and effective than an in-person meeting because technical limitations and distractions can hinder effective communication.
3. Fewer Distractions
Speaking of distractions, video calls have no shortage of issues when it comes to losing one’s train of thought. Remote work is notorious for its potential disruptions to a person’s work-life balance, and while we have many tools to smooth this over, problems can still arise. Virtual meetings, with or without video, can be easy to get distracted from. When you work from home, you can have a lot going on. The household doesn’t grind to a halt when you work. From appointments to pets and children, there are plenty of things that can disrupt an important online meeting. When you meet in person, you mitigate this issue.
So, what does Zoom lack? Importantly, it lacks an environment free of distractions. The social agreement that you enter into when attending a meeting in person means that phones are put on silent, and only the most urgent disruptions can interrupt the meeting. Even when a meeting turns into a less formal gathering or a bunch of breakout sessions, in-person meeting spaces encourage collaboration and peer-to-peer interaction. In a digital environment, it’s a lot harder to split the group up in a natural way, and people can drop off without anyone even noticing. While that sometimes works out just fine, there are situations where high-priority issues develop that require everyone’s undivided attention, and a physical meeting room makes all the difference.
Renting a Meeting Room in Nashville
When you rent a meeting room for your get-together, you’re giving your team the best possible scenario for getting things done. No matter what you need to achieve, meeting in person is the most efficient method of collaborating. Center 615 has eight uniquely themed meeting spaces for rent starting at a low $35/hour, and we guarantee you’ll find a space that’s right for you and your team. Whether you need an intimate idea space or a large presentation room, we’ve got you covered. If you have a coworking membership at Center 615, you’ll get exclusive discounts on conference room rental and free after-hours meeting room use. Folks who rent private office space with us enjoy free, unlimited access to meeting rooms, so you can always find a quiet, well-suited spot for your team check-in.
Center 615 is all about community, and we believe that finding a coworking space to meet and work alongside your peers makes all the difference. So book your time slot online in one of our meeting rooms! Give your team the best opportunity to gather and grind.
