Why 6 feet.? I have a general theory that the most effective persuasive speech happens at about 3 feet. This article is about personal space, but lays out the distances. I think 6 feet has nothing to do with viruses, but to interfere with communication.

https://m.economictimes.com/personal-space-proxemics/articleshow/2252840.cms

Personal space - Proxemics

Have you felt angry when your chair in the meeting was “taken” by a colleague or when your boss “enters” your cubicle without knocking? Human beings are territorial and like to stake claim on their space, which gives them a sense of control. Personal space or proxemics, a form of non-verbal communication, is the space surrounding each person.

Zones:

Broadly, the four distinct zones are: Intimate (0-2 ft.), Personal (2-4 ft), Social (4-12 ft.) and Public (more than 12 ft.). When strangers enter the wrong zone, we feel uncomfortable. E.g. In an airplane / elevator , this space gets compromised and we deal with it by “dehumanizing” (making no eye contact and acting busy) those around us. Even a loud cell phone conversation trespasses this space!

Business Relationships:

Generally, business relationships start in the Social Zone, but as the relationship develops and trust is formed, they move to the Personal Zone.

Business Seating:

In competitive situations, people sit across-the-table, monitoring each other. When working independently, they sit across but never directly opposite, as this provides adequate isolation and privacy. In a group, the leader always sits at head of the table, as this position brings with it a sense of power.

Cross-Cultural Variance:

Personal zones vary across cultures, professions, personal preferences and affluence (more affluent persons demand more personal space). Also, those living in densely populated environments (India) tend to have smaller space requirements. Generally, low-context cultures (North American, Northern Europeans) prefer interacting in the Social Zone for business but high context cultures (Mediterranean, Arab, Latin) favor the Personal Zone.

People value their personal space and business leaders use this space to “read” the non-verbal messages. The trick lies in being sensitive to and respecting the space of others, leading to working relationships filled with trust!