[sekai]

> I've seen this idea repeated many times, but in over 20 years in the tech industry

Exactly, and how many of those conversations are wasted on nothing? Sure, there's a social element to it, so how about we highlight that aspect and not some "lightbulb" moment that derives from small talk.

[mort96]

Conversations which let you get to know your colleagues better are "wasted on nothing" to you? Is there no point to knowing your colleagues?

[whynaut]

there’s no point adding 2+ hours of commuting to my day for what could be a video call.

I don’t really understand why many commenters here are expressing a sentiment that you can’t get to know someone digitally. Some of the best people in my life were met online, both personally and professionally.

[mort96]

You don't get coincidental conversations between people of different department with no set agenda through a zoom meeting.

I'm not saying it's worth 2+ hours of commuting. And honestly, I think it's bullshit that employers expect commuting time to be unpaid; if having people in the office is something they consider valuable, they should be paying for that commute time. But I reject the idea that those conversations have no value.

[JohnFen]

I accept the idea that those conversations have value. I reject the idea that they can only happen in person. I have no data on this, just my own personal experience and observations over the years.