Experiencing work together

Scientific studies show that the way we collaborate is influenced by biological processes. There are three important factors which play a role here:

1. Hormonal reactions: Hormones such asoxytocin, endorphins, serotonin and dopamine promote positive feelings and contributetotrust and motivation. Theyarethebiological “glue” thatholdsteamstogether.

2. Feelings: Trust and generosityarecrucialtocreatingsuccessfulteams in thelongterm. An atmosphereoftrustenables emotional security and improvesworkperformance.

3. Personal behaviour: Collaboration is not only based on individual performance, but also on empathy, cohesion and camaraderie. These factors strengthen motivation and the willingness to cooperate.

The dynamic of “personal behaviour” → “hormonal reactions” → “feelings” creates a cycle that optimises personal team performance. Teams that consciously integrate feelings and behaviour into their culture experience more cohesion and better results.

Digitalisation offers many opportunities to connect teams, but not all interaction can be replaced by screens. Both forms of collaboration - digital and physical - have their advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of digital collaboration

• Coordination: Digital meetings enable quick and efficient coordination.

• Unlimited accessibility: teams can work from anywhere.

• Flexibility and scalability: Remote working offers individual customisation options and is particularly advantageous for global teams.

• Isolation: A lack of personal contact can lead to social alienation.

• Less cohesion: Virtual meetings are often less emotional and hardly promote empathy.

• Limited interpersonal skills: The personal “connection” with colleagues often falls by the wayside.

• Trust and context: Physical meetings create trust and are rich in context - you experience facial expressions, gestures and multi-sensory impressions.

• Professional development: Face-to-face interaction promotes learning, feedback and development.

• Improved communication: Interpersonal relationships are easier to maintain and deepen.

• Stressful office dynamics: The physical workplace can cause distraction and stress.

• Commute: In-person presence often means more time spent traveling.

• Work-life balance: Personal commitments and professional demands need to be more balanced.

A hybrid model: the best of both worlds

The solution lies in a hybrid way of working that combines the best of both worlds:

• Efficiency of the digital world: flexible, location-independent collaboration keeps the team productive and accessible.

• Strength of face-to-face interaction: regular physical meetings promote trust, communication and team spirit.