Are virtual meetings better than in-person? LinkedIn CEO weighs in

Just over a year ago, COVID-19 took most of our work online. As companies the world over embraced remote working, in-person meetings shifted to the virtual realm, and since then, many have voiced opinions on which they feel is better.

Some time ago, we asked some of Malta’s business leaders what they prefer, with a view toward finding out whether video calls will last beyond the pandemic.

Predictably, results were mixed, but a clear winner presented itself: given the choice, the majority of CEOs we asked would opt for in-person meetings, citing that they allow for a better connection.

LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky seems to agree. Sharing his view in a recent post on the platform, he writes, “after a year of virtual meetings and 1:1s, I’ve recently had the opportunity to meet people in person safely.”

And, having had the opportunity to compare the two after such a long period of time, he continues, “my main takeaway is that a virtual 1:1 conversation is 80% discussion between two individuals and 20% distraction from whatever else is on your monitor or phone. An in person 1:1 is 100% focused conversation, with additional value, feedback, and connection from non-verbal communication.”

Do you agree? How do you prefer to conduct your meetings?