Microsoft: telecommuting is dangerous for innovation and productivity

Microsoft: telecommuting is dangerous for innovation and productivity

San Francisco, 20.9. 2020

A study of 61,000 Microsoft employees found that remote work hurts communication and collaboration. Microsoft said a prolonged shift to telecommuting would threaten innovation and productivity.

The study was recently published by Microsoft researchers in the journal Natural Human Behavior.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-021-01196-4

The researchers warned that „less rich“ communication methods, including email and instant messaging, could impair workers‘ ability to „convey and process complex information.“

Companies such as Coinbase, Box, Shopify, Dropbox and other large tech firms have adopted a „remote first“ work culture.

Satya Nadella said it’s a „huge paradox“ to balance workers‘ desire for flexibility and connection with others.

Microsoft has unveiled new features in Teams, LinkedIn and other products to address telecommuting challenges.