The value of face-to-face working in a remote world

Added 31/10/24 - 4 min read

As remote work becomes the norm for many, especially in the mortgage broker industry, it’s easy to settle into the comfort of working from home. But while flexibility offers undeniable benefits, relying solely on remote work can lead to isolation and missed career growth.

Research from Forbes highlighted that 48% of those working from home found it harder to work with others. In-person interactions—whether through team-building days, networking events, or coworking sessions are crucial for staying connected, improving wellbeing and advancing your career.

This article explores why embracing face-to-face opportunities in a hybrid environment is key to both personal and professional success.

1- strengthening employee belonging through in-person interactions

Remote work offers freedom, but it also has the potential to create a sense of isolation. Without the spontaneous conversations and casual coffee breaks that happen in a physical office, it can be harder to develop meaningful connections between fellow brokers. However, when you engage in occasional in-person meet-ups—whether through team-building days or co-working sessions—you rebuild that sense of community and shared purpose.

Face-to-face connections allow for organic discussions where ideas flow more freely and stronger relationships form. This sense of camaraderie can lead to better teamwork and collaboration when you're working remotely. A team that knows each other on a personal level will find it easier to communicate and cooperate in a virtual setting.

Tip: When attending team-building days, try to engage with colleagues from different departments. These interactions broaden your perspective and help you build a more diverse network within your company.

2 - improving wellbeing with face-to-face connections

One of the major downsides of remote work is the toll it can take on mental health. Prolonged isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and burnout, especially when you're working with vulnerable clients or tight deadlines. Face-to-face interactions provide emotional support that is hard to replicate through a screen.

Meeting with colleagues in person offers a much-needed mental break, helping you refresh and re-energise. Casual conversations can ease stress, and it’s often easier for others to notice if you're struggling when they see you in person. Emotional support from colleagues can significantly boost your overall wellbeing, making it easier to handle work challenges.

Tip: Keep the benefits of in-person interaction going by scheduling virtual coffee breaks with your team. These informal chats can simulate the feel of an office environment and help maintain the bond between remote colleagues.

3 - reinforcing company culture in a hybrid environment

Company culture is the glue that binds a team together. While it’s possible to cultivate culture remotely, some elements are best reinforced through face-to-face meetings. Whether it’s during an in-person onboarding session, annual events, or casual get-togethers, these gatherings allow employees to experience the company's values firsthand.

New starters particularly benefit from face-to-face meetings as they integrate into the team. In-person connections provide a sense of belonging and help employees feel part of something bigger. This sense of community strengthens employee engagement and helps maintain a positive, cohesive company culture, even in a hybrid work model.

Tip: Consider joining your company's event committee or sharing ideas on how to make the next in-person meet-up more engaging. Becoming an advocate for these events will benefit both you and your colleagues.

4 - professional development through collaborative learning

Face-to-face time offers invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship. In-person workdays provide an ideal environment for brainstorming, sharing expertise and seeking guidance from senior colleagues. Mortgage brokers, in particular, thrive on building relationships—not just with clients, but also with industry peers.

A good starting point is to find the right networking event for you. Do you want to meet new clients? New introducers? Maybe it’s specialist brokers in the Buy to Let market or perhaps you want to know more about getting into the Help To Buy market.

Check out the BNI: The World's Leading Business Networking and Referral Organisation

Attending in-person industry events, workshops, or training sessions allows for more effective networking and professional growth. You’re able to gain insights that are harder to come by in a remote setting. Whether it’s through casual conversations or structured mentoring, these interactions can fast-track your development and expand your professional network.

Tip: Be proactive in seeking out these opportunities. Suggest an industry event to your manager or propose a department workshop. This not only enhances your learning but shows initiative in your career development.

5 - boosting productivity through occasional face-to-face collaboration

Remote work tools are great for day-to-day tasks, but certain projects benefit from in-person collaboration. Complex problems can often be solved faster and brainstorming sessions tend to be more creative when you’re physically in the same room. The energy and spontaneity of face-to-face discussions often lead to quicker decision-making and better problem-solving than a scheduled virtual meeting.

In-person collaboration reignites a sense of teamwork that is harder to replicate remotely, making it easier to bounce ideas off one another and come up with innovative solutions. By reserving face-to-face meetings for strategic discussions or creative brainstorming, you can enhance overall productivity and ensure better outcomes.

Tip: Identify which projects or tasks are best suited for in-person meetings. Propose these to your manager to make the most of the time spent together in the office.

embracing face-to-face opportunities

While remote work is a permanent fixture in modern office life, there’s still immense value in embracing in-person interactions. From boosting mental health and reinforcing company culture to improving collaboration and fostering professional development, connecting in the flesh brings benefits that remote work alone simply cannot offer.

By recognising the importance of these opportunities, you can enhance your work experience and position yourself as a valuable advocate for maintaining a healthy balance in a predominantly remote world.

If you're looking to stay ahead in the mortgage industry, don’t miss our guide on Future Proofing Your Business in the Digital Age, covering change management strategies to help you thrive in the evolving mortgage broker industry.

Read more: How to manage your team remotely