The Importance Of Passive Collaboration

For decades, companies have experimented with the idea of flexible work arrangements, with many finding perks to this style of working. However, it took an unprecedented pandemic to get the majority of people on board.

After companies large and small were forced to close their doors, transition to remote working and continue to do so today, it has become clear that this style of working is here to stay.

But it hasn’t been easy for all. While some organizations were already equipped with the technology necessary to make this arrangement work, others struggled to adjust to this new reality without the home office tools necessary.

One year later, it feels like most companies operating remotely have gotten the hang of it. Still, there has been one component of the workplace that has not been properly replicated: passive collaboration.

Active collaboration is able to be conducted over video conferencing tools and emails, but the spontaneous bursts of creativity that happen in office hallways can’t be reproduced virtually.

For instance, there is a common misconception that software engineers only need a computer and internet to accomplish their work by themselves. 

However, the best engineering is done with the help of collaborative sessions to brainstorm and work through problems with colleagues.

While tools like Google Docs can help with asynchronous active collaboration, the engagement that comes from sporadic ideas are unmatched.

That’s why it is important for companies to find new ways to enhance the employee experience, particularly as the world embraces an increasingly distributed workforce.