New Microsoft Study of 60,000 Employees: Remote Work Threatens Long-Term Innovation

The new study confirms what Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella calls the hybrid work paradox.

Whatever managers previous fears about remote work, the pandemic has proved that most knowledge workers can get their daily tasks done just as well from their living rooms as from the office. Study after study confirms most people's personal experience that, at least for those without child care, health, or other challenges, productivity has actually inched up with the advent of widespread remote work. 

Which means working from anywhere is a great thing, and companies don't need to worry about its impacts on performance, right? 

Not so fast, suggests a massive new peer-reviewed study from Microsoft that found that, while remote work is fine for plowing through day-to-day work, it has the potential to put a serious damper on collaboration and innovation long-term.