Recent research indicates that remote and hybrid work models, while beneficial for work-life balance, might hinder innovation. The study by the University of Essex and the University of Chicago found that employees in hybrid or remote settings generate fewer and lower-quality innovative ideas compared to those working full-time in the office. The decline in innovation is attributed to the lack of spontaneous interactions that occur more frequently in an office environment. The research suggests that companies should coordinate office days for entire teams to improve innovation.
New research suggests that while remote and hybrid working arrangements can enhance employees’ work-life balance, they may also be hindering innovation.
While remote and hybrid working arrangements can enhance employees’ work-life balance, new research suggests they might be hindering innovation.
The study, led by University of Essex and University of Chicago economists, found that staff who worked in a hybrid model were less likely to come up with innovative ideas than colleagues who always worked in the office. And staff working from home tended to produce lower quality innovative ideas than those who always worked in the office.
“Innovation in the workplace can occur through random, spontaneous ‘watercooler’ conversations between employees,” explained lead researcher Dr Christoph Siemroth. “However, these ‘productive accidents’ are less likely to occur when employees work from home. Our research has found that innovation is suffering as a result.”
Post-pandemic, many firms are hesitant to implement a full-time return to working from the office and have adopted a hybrid model, where employees get the best of both worlds, spending some days in the office and some at home.
Research Findings and Recommendations
Many business leaders have voiced concerns over innovation suffering with these new work modes. This new research, published in the journal Originally Appeared Here
