In a remote or hybrid work setup, your virtual proximity to colleagues can significantly influence your work performance. Intriguingly, a Harvard Business School study found that your productivity could surge by as much as 15% if you're working 'close' to high-performers. This surprising revelation underscores the potency of proximity, but it also shines a light on the need to address performance issues given their potential negative spillover effects. So, how can you navigate this complex landscape?

The Impact of Virtual Proximity on Performance

The study discovered a fascinating correlation between work performance and the people you sit near in a workspace. Employees who worked in close proximity to high performers experienced a boost in their performance by up to 15%. This finding also has profound implications for the way we design our virtual workspaces and teams.

Consider this scenario: you're part of a remote software development team, frequently paired with a high-performing colleague, Alex, on video calls and collaboration platforms. Over time, as you witness and interact with Alex's efficient workflow and near-flawless code, you unconsciously begin to adopt Alex's successful work habits, leading to an enhancement in your own performance.

The Double-Edged Sword: Negative Spillover

While the concept of "positive spillover" can be a powerful tool for improving team performance, there's a flip side to this coin: negative spillover. Just as high-performing behaviours can rub off on team members, so can negative or unproductive behaviours. Poor performance, lack of engagement, or disruptive behaviour from a team member can impact the entire team, leading to a decline in overall productivity and morale.

Addressing performance issues promptly and effectively is crucial in preventing this negative spillover. Regular performance conversations, constructive feedback, and the development of clear performance expectations can help manage and mitigate these issues.

Redesigning Virtual Workspaces and Teams for High Performance

Understanding the power of virtual proximity and the potential impact of negative spillover allows us to rethink how we organise remote and hybrid work environments. Teams need not be assembled solely based on roles; considering performance levels could lead to better outcomes.

For instance, a high-performing strategic advisor could be paired with a less experienced one on collaboration platforms. This setup allows the less experienced advisor to learn from the high performer, improving their performance over time.

Final Thoughts: Leveraging Virtual Proximity and Addressing Performance Issues

The science is clear: proximity can significantly boost your work performance. But, it's also crucial to promptly address performance issues to prevent negative spillover. Organisations need to consider these factors when designing their virtual workspaces and teams.

So, the next time you're deciding whom to pair up with for a virtual project or where to 'sit' in your virtual office, remember the power of proximity, and the importance of addressing performance issues. It's a nuanced, yet potent strategy to foster a high-performance culture and improve overall productivity.

Next Steps

Want to learn more about building high performing teams? Check out these links:

Original Research Article: Organizational Design and Space: The Good, the Bad, and the Productive

Sitting Near a High-Performer Can Make You Better at Your Job

High Performing Teams Characteristics - 15 Things All High Performing Teams do

10 Proven Strategies for Boosting Team Performance

To find out how PerformanceNinja could help you with increasing performance, book a free strategy call or take a look at our GrowthLab.