A recent study by INSEAD professors in the US challenges the traditional belief that physical proximity is essential for effective workplace collaboration. Their research found that social connections can be just as crucial as physical closeness. Strong social ties, characterised by frequent communication and mutual trust, enable effective collaboration regardless of physical distance.

Modern technology has made virtual collaboration increasingly effective, of course, with distributed teams now outperforming in-person teams in innovation. This suggests that organisations might be better off focussing on building robust social networks rather than insisting on office presence.

To enhance collaboration in remote or hybrid settings, companies should invest in initiatives that strengthen social bonds, such as virtual team-building activities, mentoring programmes and cross-functional projects.