Innovation & Remote Work: A window of opportunity or an inevitable compromise? : An identification and evaluation of innovation aspects in remote work conditions
Abstract: As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been wide adoption of remote work while major companies have started introducing permanent flexible work arrangements. This dramatic shift in the workplace has raised questions regarding the effect this will have on innovation as it is critical for a future company’s success. Based on the literature review we managed to identify six key aspects to the innovative workplace: communication, collaboration, trust, knowledge transfer, company culture and management. We were able to evaluate the impact of remote work on these aspects by using both theoretical findings and empirical data gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted within a Swedish telecommunications company. Our results indicate that despite some advantageous features, communication, trust and knowledge transfer suffered. In management there has been a slightly positive shift. The results in collaboration and company culture appear inconclusive with significant advantages and disadvantages. In order to avoid an overall decrease in innovation we propose the adoption of a hybrid work model to combine the best aspects of these opposite arrangements.
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