In an age of remote working and digital collaboration, the role of in-person interaction has become a subject of intense debate. Are virtual meetings just as effective as in-person ones? Or do we risk losing something vital when we don’t share a room?
With today’s flexible working models, there’s a growing debate: are in-person meetings more productive than virtual ones? While online platforms like Zoom and Teams offer convenience, many business leaders and employees agree that face-to-face meetings still hold unique advantages. From improved collaboration to clearer communication, this guide explores why face-to-face meetings are important in 2025, how to use them to maximise business impact, and how utilising meeting rooms can enable your business to grow further.
Virtual meetings surged in popularity during the pandemic - and they continue to be useful for remote teams. They offered a lifeline for collaboration when in-person meetings weren’t possible. But many companies have since discovered that something’s missing when all communication happens through a screen. Many businesses are now asking: are face-to-face meetings more effective than online meetings?
In-person meetings provide more natural communication, stronger relationships, and better collaboration. They’re particularly valuable for strategy sessions, creative planning, onboarding and key client meetings, where clarity and connection really matter.
Our fully equipped meeting rooms and serviced offices across the UK are designed to elevate the impact of your in-person time together, thanks to their collaborative workspace designs.
Whilst there are always going to be valid reasons to schedule a virtual meeting instead of a face-to-face one, the benefits of in-person meetings are undeniable.
Technical hiccups are the Achilles’ heel of virtual meetings. Unstable Wi-Fi, frozen screens, audio dropouts and awkward screen-share moments can derail even the most important conversation. In a face-to-face meeting, you eliminate those barriers and create space for smoother, more focused discussions.
Orega meeting rooms are equipped with modern AV tools and dedicated support to ensure every meeting runs seamlessly - so you can concentrate on the agenda, not the connection.
Getting a team into the same space boosts idea sharing. Face-to-face interaction allows for natural back-and-forth discussion, spontaneous brainstorming, and the kind of energy that’s hard to replicate on a video call. People feel more confident participating when they’re in the room, especially in sessions involving problem-solving or creative thinking.
At Orega, we offer a range of meeting rooms that can be tailored to your specific needs, all designed for ideation and innovation.
Body language, tone of voice and subtle social cues are crucial parts of how we understand each other. These are often lost or misinterpreted in virtual settings. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive issues, delivering feedback or pitching to a client, face-to-face communication minimises misunderstandings and builds stronger bonds.
Trust and rapport are the foundations of high-performing teams, and they’re harder to build through screens alone. Regular in-person meetings give colleagues a chance to connect on a human level. Even a quick coffee before or after the meeting can strengthen bonds, foster loyalty and boost morale.
In-person meetings don’t only have to happen in meeting rooms - all of our office buildings feature excellent communal areas, breakout spaces, kitchens, and some even have outdoor spaces - having the ability to have more informal meetings in these types of spaces is invaluable to team bonding and, in turn, productivity.
Multitasking, distractions and disengagement are common pitfalls of virtual meetings. Being physically present in a meeting encourages attendees to stay focused, contribute actively, and take ownership of outcomes. For meetings that require full attention - like strategy sessions or annual planning - face-to-face is often the most productive choice.
From household noise to delivery interruptions, home-based work environments aren’t always ideal for deep concentration. A dedicated meeting space - especially one away from the main office floor - helps minimise distractions, boosting productivity and giving people the mental clarity to make decisions and take action.
To get the most value out of your face-to-face sessions, consider these tips:
Booking a meeting room for your next in-person meeting at one of our buildings across the UK, means you’ll have access to a room fully equipped for productive meetings:
Hybrid meetings - where some attendees join in person and others remotely - can offer the best of both worlds. They’re particularly helpful when teams are geographically dispersed, or when employees have accessibility or caregiving needs. Ensuring the meeting is inclusive and effective means investing in the right tech and structuring the session with remote attendees in mind. But how do you ensure these hybrid meetings are effective?
Here are a few best practices:
At Orega, our meeting rooms are equipped for seamless hybrid collaboration. With screen-sharing, large displays, excellent AV equipment and full IT support, you can connect teams across locations without compromise.
Whether you’re exploring how to host more productive meetings or weighing up virtual vs in-person formats, one thing’s clear: the right setting matters. Face-to-face meetings remain one of the most effective ways to build rapport, spark creativity and move projects forward.
If you’re looking for meeting rooms that elevate your in-person sessions, we offer fully equipped spaces across the UK, available to book by the hour or day. Whether you’re hosting clients, running strategy days or reconnecting your team, we’ll help you make your meeting matter.
Explore our locations or get in touch today to find the perfect space for your next face-to-face meeting.