Hybrid Work, AI Are Transforming Workplace Collaboration

Structural, cultural, and technological barriers are hindering teamwork in hybrid work environments, reveals global HR research firm McLean & Company’s in The Future of Workplace Collaboration report. However, employees in collaborative environments are much more likely to remain with an organization, adds the company. 

Collaboration is a complex, dynamic process that extends beyond teamwork and communication, ranging from basic information sharing to full integration across teams, functions, and technology, reports McLean & Company. The firm warns that without deliberate design, organizations risk siloed operations, missed opportunities, and reduced employee engagement.

The report draws on the 2025 Workplace Collaboration Survey of 467 professionals, executive interviews, and over 150 academic and industry sources. Survey results show employees in collaborative environments are 5.4 times more likely to be engaged and nearly twice as likely to remain with their organization. Organizations that leverage technology effectively report double the productivity improvements compared with peers. However, one in three respondents noted that insufficient collaboration leads to inefficiencies, while over-collaboration, through excessive meetings, unclear roles, or information overload, can contribute to burnout.

Technology is increasingly central to collaboration. AI, chatbots, and collaborative robotics are positioned not just as tools but as strategic partners. While these innovations can enhance agility and unlock economic value, they also raise challenges, including privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and the potential erosion of human connection and critical thinking skills.

The report identifies structural and cultural barriers to effective collaboration, such as inefficient processes, complex organizational hierarchies, and a lack of collaboration skills. Cultures that fail to build trust or reward teamwork further limit success. McLean & Company highlights six strategic enablers for future collaboration: culture, skills, process, technology, structure, and HR partnership. Executives and HR leaders are urged to activate these enablers to sustain organizational performance.

By taking a data-driven and human-centric approach, organizations can remove barriers, foster trust and engagement, and create collaborative environments that respond to today’s challenges while preparing for the future, says McLean & Company.