Do Meetings Still Matter in the Digital Age?
In today's hyper-connected world, it's easy to assume that emails, instant messages, and project management apps can replace the humble meeting. After all, we can send updates in seconds, share documents in real time, and work across time zones without ever speaking face to face.
So, do we still need meetings? The answer is a clear yes - but with a caveat. Meetings remain virtual, but only when they are purposeful, well-structured, and human-centred.
1. Building Relationships
Digital communication is efficient, but it can also feel transactional. A meeting - whether in person or virtual - creates space for genuine connection. Tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language all add context that a written message simply cannot. For teams, this builds trust. For clients, it strengthens the sense that they are working with a partner, not just a service provider.
2. Driving Alignment
Even with the best tools, misunderstandings happen. Projects stall, emails get lost, and assumptions creep in. Meetings cut through that noise by aligning everyone in real time. A 30-minute check-in can prevent weeks of delays caused by crossed wires.
3. Encouraging Collaboration
Great ideas often emerge from dialogue. While a MS Teams channel can capture thoughts, it rarely matches the energy of live brainstorming. Meetings provide a platform for ideas to be tested, challenged, and built upon collaboratively. That creative spark is hard to replicate through text.
4. Providing Accountability
When we commit to actions in front of others, we are more likely to follow through. Meetings, when well-managed, create moments of accountability. They ensure deadlines are clear, responsibilities are understood, and progress is visible.
5. Supporting Wellbeing
In remote and digital-first environments, people can start to feel isolated. Regular meetings offer rhythm and human connection. A short team huddle or one-to-one check-in can do more than align work – it can remind people they belong
Final Thoughts
In the digital age, efficiency is prized. But efficiency alone doesn't build trust, spark creativity, or sustain wellbeing. Meetings still matter - because they remind us that behind every email, message, or task list, there are people. And it is people, not platforms, who ultimately drive success.
To read more about this topic, check out this article by Andrea Rajic on The Case for In-Person Meetings: Why Face-to-Face Collaboration Drives Better Results. Or The Nuroum Team's article on In-Person Meetings in 2025: Why Meeting in Person Sill Boosts Productivity.
