Microsoft researched what made employees happy
I think there is a major framing issue here.<p>Speaking for myself, and the many colleagues I’ve spoken to about this, collaboration isn’t the issue.<p>“Collaboration” is the issue.<p>I’ve had some of my most meaningful (and happiness-inducing) experiences at work when collaborating deeply with colleagues.<p>I’ve had some of the most frustrating experiences at work when “collaborating”.<p>The distinction simply being: “Collaboration” in the form of “interacting in realtime” or “existing in the same space” can also be 99% distraction.<p>“Real” collaboration - the kind where the collective consciousness of the group results in outcomes that could not have been achieved solo - is where the magic lies.<p>I’m absolutely happier with more autonomy and less distraction. But that is not the antithesis of collaboration.<p>A pendulum that swings too far in the other direction will leave folks feeling isolated, and will reduce the potential of a group. Finding the right balance and distinguishing between real collaborative interaction vs. “acting out” something that looks like collaboration on the surface is critical.