Perceptions of Innovation in Remote vs. Onsite Work Environments: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study explores how hybrid work environments affect employees’ perspectives and experiences of innovation. As existing research has largely focused on productivity and communication side, this qualitative research examines how different working environments establish innovation visibility, collaboration, and recognition. For getting the deep idea about the topic, twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with hybrid workers from different international companies. Qualitive coding identified five key points; the significance of spontaneous interaction for idea generation, the autonomy and focus enabled by remote work, the risk of innovation being overlooked, and the unique recognition across work environments. This study suggests that hybrid work offers huge potential for innovation, but only when the organization can keep it up with the newly merged outcomes. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation across all work modes through leadership, virtual collaboration, and equal recognition system.