Beyond office walls: Maintaining creativity and serendipity in a hybrid workplace. : A qualitative study about how organizations can maintain and nurture creativity in the hybrid workplace.

Abstract: Abstract Background: Hybrid work arrangements are today a common feature in many modern business models. As less time is spent at a common office, they constitute a potential threat in terms of reduced social barometers necessary for creativity and serendipity to occur.  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how organizations can maintain and nurture creativity in the context of a hybrid workplace, as well as the occurrence of serendipitous encounters.   Method: Semi-structured interviews with seven participants from well-established organizations who are all working under hybrid work arrangement. A qualitative approach was carried out utilizing an inductive approach, followed by a thematic analysis of the primary data.  Conclusion: The findings suggest several significant factors impacting creativity and serendipity in the hybrid workplace. The study concluded the factors simultaneously supportive of both creativity and serendipity to be the most effective areas to pursue in order to surmount the social deficiencies posed by hybrid work. The results further highlight building awareness around the concept of serendipity as a prerequisite to truly leveraging on its potential and mobilizing it to further areas of operation.