Microsoft researched what made employees happy
I think there is a major framing issue here.Speaking for myself, and the many colleagues I’ve spoken to about this, collaboration isn’t the issue.“Collaboration” is the issue.I’ve had some of my most meaningful (and happiness-inducing) experiences at work when collaborating deeply with colleagues.I’ve had some of the most frustrating experiences at work when “collaborating”.The distinction simply being: “Collaboration” in the form of “interacting in realtime” or “existing in the same space” can also be 99% distraction.“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.I’m absolutely happier with more autonomy and less distraction. But that is not the antithesis of collaboration.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.