With remote working forced upon us, has our reliance on technology now negated the need for conversation?

Our methods and channels of communication may now be different, but what has become clear is that, as BT used to say, it’s good to talk. In person, virtually, on the phone; we all enjoy human connection and interaction.

I used to spend my days all over the City meeting law firm partners. Hotel bars, coffee shops, restaurants. Without those face to face meetings, I thought that moving partners was going to become exceptionally difficult. But people are adaptable and resilient. In the past 9 months, as remote working has been forced upon us, we’ve mastered Zoom and Teams, gone online with hiring processes and onboarding is now fully functional without stepping foot in an office. Law firms are adapting to other ways to showcase their talent, practices and culture, without the physicality of a handshake or smart reception. But just as the reliance on technology becomes part of our psyche, this hasn’t negated the need for conversation.

I am meeting and speaking to more partners than pre-lockdown. A coffee in person has been quickly replaced with a virtual coffee during lockdown. With the exemption allowed of business meetings in restaurants, those breakfasts and coffees are now reappearing back in my diary too, but the ease of a Zoom call has now meant it has fast become a common fixture and may remain that way if a remote working pattern becomes the norm for most partners.

I think what I’ve realised is that embracing new technology is crucial, but this doesn’t rule out the need to have a good conversation and seeing someone, either in person or on a screen, helps facilitate that conversation.