Hybrid work – a reconceptualisation and research agenda

Abstract

We begin this conceptual paper, by outlining three recent developments in the context of the changing the nature of work: (1) the increasing proportion of remote work, (2) the quickly expanding use of (generative) AI applications, and (3) the growing advancements in virtual world technologies and platforms. We argue that the synthesis of these developments will vastly impact traditional work models and practices. This transformation warrants a critical rethinking of the traditional understanding of hybrid work which, so far, has predominantly focused on the spectrum of in-person and remote work. We suggest adjusting this perspective and posit grand challenges and related research questions in order to do so.