Nurturing teamwork and team dynamics in a hybrid work model
Nurturing teamwork and team dynamics in a hybrid work model

Summary/Abstract: Purpose– We aimed to analyze the impact of the transition to the hybrid model of teamwork and teamdynamics from the perspective of the five key challenges, i.e. communication, coordination, connection,creativity and culture.Design/methodology/approach– To achieve the stated aim, we conducted a literature review and then anexploratory qualitative study. We split the research into phases: December 2021 to January 2022 and July toAugust 2022. In the first phase, we conducted computer-assisted online interviews (CAWIs) with all membersof the remote team and an in-depth interview with the manager. After the transition from remote to hybrid workin February 2022, we returned to the team to conduct in-depth interviews with team leaders and the manager.Findings– We identified key findings, i.e. managerial implications of differences across the 5 Cs(communication, coordination, connection, creativity and culture) noted in the functioning of the analyzed teamas the team shifted from fully remote work to the hybrid work model.Research limitations/implications– We concluded that if people do not spend time together and are notimpregnated with the unique culture and values of a given organization, they will not feel a connection to itsdistinctive ethos and may choose to leave. In the longer-term, the last challenge may be the biggest singleopportunity for employees post-pandemic and concurrently the single biggest challenge that organizationalleadership will need to address, given that sustainable market success depends on talent.Originality/value– The results showed that team communication, teamwork coordination, social andemotional connections among team members, nurturing of creativity, as well as of the organizational culturewere of high importance to the team in the hybrid work model. Thus, we confirmed the findings of otherauthors. The study contributes to our understanding of the impact of the hybrid work model on teamwork andteam dynamics and provides some guidance on how organizations can mitigate these, in particular through theteam manager.

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