The statement is true; however, an email or text can be just as effective as a telephone conversation or letter as a face-to-face conversation.

Sir, in today’s world, email, instant messaging, and texting are both used frequently in business. However, those who are employed in the business world should be aware that face-to-face communication is still the most beneficial form of communication.

Face-to-face communication is often confused with personal conversations. However, personal conversations are a subset of face-to-face communication. Communication between individuals or groups can be face to face, over the phone, or in written form, depending on the situation. Face-to-face communication between managers and employees is the most common form of communication in the business world. When employees have face-to-face communication with a boss, they can develop a deeper understanding of how their boss expects them to behave in the workplace. For example, if an employee is criticized for a work-related mistake, face-to-face communication provides the opportunity for the employee to talk to the manager in an informal setting. The employee can convey that he or she understands why the mistake was made and how he or she will avoid similar mistakes in the future. On the other hand, an email or text does not provide the same opportunity for the employee to explain his or her actions or to receive feedback from a supervisor. The manager may respond to the text or email quickly, but the employee may have already moved on to other tasks by the time the message is received. If the employee does not receive a response from the boss, he or she may assume that the supervisor is too busy to respond to the text. Face-to-face communication allows all involved parties to understand the issue or issue at hand, and it allows the business owner to see first-hand how his or her employees interact with one another. In addition, if a manager meets with an employee and finds that the employee’s attitude is not improving, face-to-face communication gives the business owner the opportunity to address the issue directly and at a more appropriate time.

The text or email that discusses business-related matters can also be used to improve communication in a company, but this type of correspondence is limited to a brief exchange. In a company, communication can take the form of daily conversations, impromptu meetings, or official memos. Text and email may take the place of correspondence, but they cannot take the place of these other modes of communication. Face-to-face communication provides interaction that is more personal and immediate. The immediacy of face-to-face communication is particularly important when facing a crisis. For example, a company might experience a crisis when it discovers that one of its key employees is suspected of stealing company secrets. If the employee is confronted immediately, face-to-face communication may allow the suspected thief to retract the accusation, which can save the company from a legal mess.

Email and text are also used to complement face-to-face communication, especially when communicating sensitive information. For example, a company may run a factory that has internal divisions. If the company uses email to communicate, employees in different divisions can exchange information without meeting in person. However, if the company conducts business only in person, employees cannot share information or ideas with one another. Employees who are accustomed to using email may resent being required to meet in person, but all employees should understand the importance of face-to-face communication.

Employees who receive instructions from a supervisor through email or text may not fully understand the meaning or importance of the message. Face-to-face communication allows employees to ask questions and obtain clarification from a supervisor. If the supervisor is not available to meet with the employee, an email or text message can serve as the starting point for a further discussion. Face-to-face communication is the most efficient way to ensure that employees understand orders, procedures, and company policies. In addition, face-to-face communication allows employees to show their supervisor that they are willing to put in the extra effort required to succeed.

Face-to-face communication can be time-consuming, and managers should carefully consider the amount of time they spend meeting with employees. Employees should not feel obligated to meet with their supervisor weekly, but employers should provide a reason for a manager to physically meet with each employee. If employees feel that their time is underutilized, they may resent the manager and feel unappreciated. Face-to-face communication is the most productive form of communication when the employee and the manager develop a thorough understanding of each other’s needs. Managers who are focused on improving their employees’ performance should encourage face-to-face communication.