How does innovation happen? How do great ideas spread? One way to accelerate it is the random collision of unusual suspects; that is people who don’t know each other colliding with each other. New ideas, perspectives, and value-creating opportunities are in the gray areas between unusual suspects. It seems so obvious and yet we spend most of our time with the usual suspects in our respective silos. We need to get out of our silos more.
How does this work in practice?
From Inc Magazine:
Steve Jobs was famous for redesigning Pixar’s office with collaboration in mind. Rather than separating animators, executives and editors in different buildings, he brought everyone under the same roof — with the idea that chance encounters would lead to the cross-pollination of ideas. And it worked: John Lasseter, Pixar’s former Chief Creative Office said, “I’ve never seen a building that promoted collaboration and creativity as well as this one.”
Today, most workplaces are a hybrid of remote and in-person collaboration. But, does remote work lead to less innovation?
From the article “Remote Work May Lead to Less Innovation” from The Wall Street Journal:
The authors discuss the potential negative impact of remote work on innovation. The author cites a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research that found that firms that adopted remote work were less likely to introduce new products or services. The authors argue that remote work can make it more difficult for employees to collaborate and share ideas, which can stifle innovation.
The authors acknowledge that remote work can have some benefits, such as increased employee productivity and well-being. However, they also argue that the negative impact of remote work on innovation outweighs the benefits. They conclude by calling on companies to be mindful of the potential negative impact of remote work on innovation and to take steps to mitigate these risks.
Here are some tips for companies that want to encourage innovation in a remote work environment:
- Provide employees with the tools and resources they need to be successful. This includes access to high-speed internet, collaboration tools, and training on how to use these tools effectively.
- Create a culture of innovation. This means encouraging employees to share their ideas, providing them with feedback, and rewarding them for their contributions.
- Make sure employees feel connected to their colleagues. This can be done through regular video calls, team-building activities, and social events.
By following these tips, companies can create a remote work environment that is conducive to innovation.
Here are some additional thoughts on the topic of remote work and innovation:
- It is important to note that the study cited by the author of the article is just one study, and more research is needed to determine the true impact of remote work on innovation.
- It is also important to note that not all types of work are equally conducive to remote work. Some types of work, such as research and development, may be more difficult to do remotely than other types of work, such as customer service.
- Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow remote work is a complex one that should be made on a case-by-case basis.
My take
The impact of remote work on innovation is a complex issue with no easy answer. There is evidence to suggest that remote work can lead to both positive and negative impacts on innovation. Personally, I’ve had a positive experience collaborating with people from all over the world and from all walks of life.
On the one hand, remote work can help to improve employee productivity and well-being. Employees who work from home often report feeling more relaxed and less stressed, which can lead to increased creativity and innovation. Additionally, remote workers often have more flexibility in their schedules, which can allow them to focus on their work without distractions.
On the other hand, remote work can make it more difficult for employees to collaborate and share ideas. In-person brainstorming sessions and informal conversations can be essential for sparking new ideas, and these opportunities can be lost when employees are working remotely. Additionally, remote workers may feel more isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, which can make it harder to build relationships and trust.
Ultimately, the impact of remote work on innovation depends on a number of factors, including the company culture, the type of work being done, and the individual employees involved. Some companies may find that remote work is a great way to boost innovation, while others may find that it has a negative impact.
Bottom line: The key ingredients necessary to accelerate innovation in any environment are engagement and exploration. Both need to be designed for both in-person and remote environments.
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