The majority of UK employees feel that meeting colleagues in person is still “important”, despite the rise in hybrid and remote working since the Covid-19 pandemic.

A survey by travel management company TravelPerk of 1,000 UK-based workers found that 58 per cent thought face-to-face meetings created a “sense of belonging” within their team. Meanwhile, 43 per cent said it also helped to boost productivity and creativity.

TravelPerk’s study also showed that 79 per cent of employees were happy with their current working model at their organisation, with hybrid workers particularly benefiting from the reduction in time spent commuting to an office.

This includes the 69 per cent of workers who are now required to go into their office for a certain number of days per week or month, with 42 per cent of this group saying they would not change anything about their current arrangements.

The main reasons for in-person meetings include holding one-to-ones with a manager or team, followed by meeting new team members, brainstorming or strategy sessions, and attending social events.

“Technology will never replace the magic and energy that exists when people get together in person,” said Avi Meir, CEO of TravelPerk. “That’s why so many businesses are keen to encourage workers to return to the office and why many employees are embracing it – because the meetings that matter happen in person.”

Before Covid, more than half (57 per cent) of UK workers were based full-time in an office but this number has now dropped to 30 per cent. Although 45 per cent of employees are still using the same working model as they did before the pandemic.