Research Study: Coworker Proximity Increases Feedback and Learning at Expense of Short-Term Productivity
By
delichon
There's a fresh bagel in here somewhere. We couldn't find it.
Summary
A research study examines the tradeoffs of coworker proximity in the workplace, finding that being physically near teammates increases long-term human capital development through more feedback and learning, but may reduce short-term productivity. The study analyzed software engineers at a Fortune 500 firm and found that engineers working in the same building as all teammates received 22% more online feedback than those with distant teammates. This advantage largely disappeared after offices closed for COVID-19, suggesting the importance of physical proximity for knowledge transfer and skill development.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledWe find being near coworkers has tradeoffs: proximity increases long-run human capital development at the expense of short-term output.
Engineers working in the same building as all their teammates received 22 percent more online feedback than engineers with distant teammates.
After offices closed for COVID-19, this advantage largely disappears.
Amidst the rise of remote work, we ask: what are the effects of proximity to coworkers?
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