Comparative study across multiple industries how hybrid-, onsite, and remote work setting affect collaboration

Abstract: Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 generated challenges for both employers andemployees over a broad spectrum of industries. People were recommended to observe socialdistancing and lockdowns and/or curfews for non-essential businesses were implemented. Thisglobal situation catalyzed process innovation and a transition from traditional work settings,specifically on-site work, to a remote work setting where employees use online communicationrequiring homes with computers and high-speed internet. Purpose: This thesis explores how work settings changed due to the pandemic, how differentwork settings affect work-related collaborations which is a cornerstone in the innovationprocess, but also to investigate differences amongst personality traits in various work settings. Methodology: The research presented herein is based on a quantitative survey of 156respondents from a multitude of industries including several countries. The survey wasdesigned using the Likert scale to capture how respondents perceived various aspects ofcollaboration before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to respondent’sperceptions, relevant demographic information was collected. The survey results were analyzedusing descriptive statistics, CFA, SEM analysis, and statistical tests. Results and Analysis: Differences between work settings were found regarding certain aspectsof collaboration. The most notable was that informal collaboration was limited when workingfrom home. The most important aspects of collaboration are to be able to trust collaborativepartners and feel mutual respect. Conclusions: Employers need to develop digital communication tools and collaborationpractices when adopting a hybrid workplace. Informal interactions are an important aspect ofcollaboration, and these interactions are limited when working from home. Management needsto nurture an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect for successful collaboration. Recommendations for future research: Studies are recommended to focus on a specificindustry or any other demographic aspect. A more diversified sample would enable explorationof how work settings affect individuals possessing different personality traits.