Cultivating a team mindset about productivity with a nudge: a field study in hybrid development teams

Published in: Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction – 04 October 2023

Written by 

Thomas Fritz, Alexander Lill, André Meyer, Gail Murphy and Lauren Howe

Summary 

What we found: We investigated the interplay between individual productivity and team productivity in knowledge work. We introduced a technology probe with a team nudge, which encouraged individuals to reflect on how their team contributed to their productivity. The longitudinal field study revealed that the team nudge increased participants' productivity ratings and team awareness, altered their task focus, and changed their perceptions of themselves and their team, yet, in general, did not increase team cohesion or affect well-being.

Why it matters: These results shed light on the dynamics of knowledge work and teamwork. They show that interventions aimed at making individuals more aware of their team's role in their productivity can have a positive impact on individual productivity and team awareness. This understanding is vital for organizations striving to enhance both individual and team performance in knowledge-intensive domains.

What next: Organizations and leaders can leverage these findings by implementing similar technology probes and nudges to foster team awareness among knowledge workers. This approach can be particularly valuable in fields like software development where teamwork is essential. By promoting a better understanding of how individual and team productivity are interconnected, organizations can improve overall performance and collaboration.