I don’t know where I land in this debate. Certainly, I agree that open-office cubicles are not helpful. I also agree that zoom meetings leave something out of in-person discussions and side-bar conversations before and after our meetings. This article made me think.
Not sure about chance in-office meetings boosting innovation, but I’ve definitely found that in-office meetings boost innovation compared to virtual ones, and chance meetings boost productivity. Lots of “Oh, hey, been meaning to ask you…” or “Did you see…” moments that either would not have occurred or would’ve taken an email or messaging back and forth.