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New research shows that working from home produces less innovative ideas
Isn’t this due to less “watercooler conversations”?
Yes, or rather, random interactions of any kind.
There are many assumptions about fostering innovation but also lots of unfounded opinions also. The work from home, hybrid vs. office debate can get heated. Most companies have post-pandemic adopted a hybrid model: part office, and part work from home.
But what is important is to be able to get quality data in from these different models. Research has shown differing results: generally working from home is less stressful and for most people is just as productive (our own data in 2020 showed the same). That’s obviously a good thing.
But back to this study by Michael Gibbs and colleague of Essex University, it followed 48’000 workers in an Indian IT company in different scenarios: working from the office, working from home, and with a hybrid model
Wow, that’s a lot of people!
Precisely and this is why this could be very useful data.
They measured the improvement ideas that were handed in. Innovation was not a core part of their job but employees could…
