Transform your workplace strategy with insights from neuroscience. In the webinar, Your Brain on Virtual Work, Robin Rosebrugh, Aura’s Director of Workplace Strategy and Research, delivers an insightful exploration into the neuroscience behind how we work, whether in physical or virtual environments. By examining critical brain regions such as the Prefrontal Cortex, Mirror Neurons, and Limbic System, Rosebrugh explains how our surroundings influence productivity, collaboration, creativity, and well-being. Furthermore, she also provides practical, research-backed strategies for organizations looking to optimize their work models.

Download the webinar to learn more about these findings, gain actionable insights, and discover how tailored work environments can enhance team performance and foster a healthier, more adaptable workplace.

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How Work is Currently Evolving

In her analysis, Robin Rosebrugh examines how work is currently evolving, using Amazon’s recent decision to mandate a full 5-day return to the office in 2025 as a critical example. The announcement, which emphasized collaboration, creativity, and culture but omitted mentions of productivity and well-being, sparked widespread discussion across media platforms. While many articles argue that certain aspects of work thrive in an office setting, Robin highlights how readers often fall prey to biases when interpreting this type of information.

Robin notes that as people read articles on this topic, they may unconsciously rely on cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, where individuals seek out information that aligns with their existing beliefs, and recency bias, which places disproportionate weight on the latest information. These biases, along with others like binary and status quo bias, can cloud judgment and oversimplify the complexities of the future of work, influencing how we interpret trends like the return to office.

Studies have shown that it becomes easier to overcome these biases when we become aware of them, so Robin encourages reflection on any potential biases while exploring the research presented.

The Science Behind Productivity and Well-being

Robin explores whether this division between RTO and WFH truly holds up, using cognitive science to examine how our brains operate in different work environments. Robin underscores the need to differentiate between productivity and performance, pointing out that traditional measures of productivity focus on outputs versus inputs. While individual accomplishments can reflect productivity, they often overlook the quality of work and collaborative efforts that enhance performance. By reframing productivity as “focused solo work,” the webinar encourages a deeper exploration of how workplace design and practices can support optimal performance.

 

The Balance of Brain Modes

The discussion transitions into the brain’s dual modes. Rosebrugh highlights the two modes of thinking: focused mode, which is essential for attention and task completion, and diffuse mode, which fosters creativity and innovation. Furthermore, she discusses how stress plays a critical role in both, from creating an optimal performance zone to impeding productivity when stress is too high.

To enhance both modes, workplaces must provide environments that facilitate breaks, encourage introspection, and support cognitive flexibility. This balance is critical for nurturing both individual productivity and overall well-being.

 

The Impact of Stressors

Robin delves into the complexities of stress in different work environments, diving into the critical balance between challenge-oriented and social hindrance stressors. Challenge-oriented stressors, such as solving complex problems, often thrive in an office environment where immediate feedback and positive reinforcement from leaders can lead to personal growth and mastery. This type of stress tends to enhance productivity by fostering a sense of accomplishment. In contrast, social hindrance stressors, such as interpersonal conflicts, are more prevalent in office settings but can be minimized in remote work environments where physical separation naturally reduces friction. Balancing these stressors across work environments—office and home—becomes essential for maintaining productivity and well-being.

Furthermore, Robin discusses the importance of autonomy and belonging in improving job satisfaction and reducing burnout, emphasizing the role of workplace design in addressing these needs.

 

Optimizing productivity and well-being through workplace design

Effective workplace design can mitigate many stressors and enhance focus, while well-structured routines and designated workspaces can improve the WFH experience. Robin’s insights highlight the importance of creating supportive environments that cater to individual preferences and needs, ultimately fostering a healthier work-life balance.

 

The Science Behind Innovation and Creativity

In the debate surrounding remote work versus office environments, leaders like L’Oréal’s CEO argue that the office fosters greater innovation and creativity. However, research suggests that creativity often flourishes during moments of daydreaming or distraction, activating the brain’s default mode network. This network is crucial for idea incubation, allowing individuals to make novel connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, a key component of creativity. To truly enhance creative output, office spaces must be designed with this process in mind.

Individual vs. Collective Creativity

Robin emphasizes the distinction between individual and collective creativity. Individual creativity, sparked during moments of distraction, thrives on a breadth of knowledge and diverse experiences. Conversely, collective creativity benefits from diverse perspectives, as evidenced by the “wisdom of the crowd.” Collaborative groups can outperform individuals in decision-making and innovation when independent thinking is encouraged, contrasting with the dangers of conformity and groupthink.

 

Designing for Innovation

To harness creativity effectively, physical or virtual workspaces must incorporate elements like access to nature and opportunities for breaks. Past studies indicate that co-located teams are statistically more likely to produce innovative patents and breakthroughs compared to remote teams. Yet, as technology advances, the potential for effective virtual collaboration grows. Ultimately, organizations must focus on their culture and competencies to design spaces that nurture individual and collective creativity.

 

The Science Behind Culture and Collaboration

Another critical factor emphasized in recent workplace discussions is culture and collaboration, which are crucial in how teams function. At its core, culture is the behaviour shared by a group, which can shape how teams collaborate, innovate, and grow. For organizations, understanding how culture influences their success is essential. A people-oriented culture that values trust, teamwork, and social cohesion can enhance well-being, leadership, and knowledge sharing.

However, virtual work introduces challenges, such as the densification of silos and the reduction of transactive memory systems—essentially knowing who knows what within the team. To bridge this gap, intentional efforts are needed, from designing shared spaces to employing tools that foster real-time collaboration. While remote teams can thrive with the right strategies, face-to-face interactions remain pivotal for building deeper trust, cohesion, and collaboration.

What this means for Organizations

Overall, navigating the complexities of work in today’s environment requires a balanced approach. While the debate between work-from-home and return-to-office models continues, hybrid work stands out as the preferable option. It provides the flexibility to enhance employee well-being and productivity while fostering the in-person interactions essential for building strong teams and cultures. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; each organization must navigate its own path to success.

Organizations must prioritize intentional design and create spaces that encourage social cohesion, ensuring that all team members feel valued and engaged, whether remotely or in the office.

 

Want to Learn More?

We invite you to download the webinar to explore these insights and better understand the complexities of today’s work environment. Dive into the rich discussions and valuable strategies shared by Robin Rosebrugh to discover how to implement work practices effectively in your organization. Click the link below to access the entire webinar and empower your team for success!

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