Designing Hybrid Work Organization in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Systematic Literature Review

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Authors: Ana Cristina Martins Bruno, Francisco José de Castro Moura Duarte
Cited by: 1
References: 24

Abstract

BackgroundIn the post-COVID-19 context, hybrid work (HW) expanded rapidly, often without systematic organizational design or alignment to task demands, generating conceptual ambiguities and limited guidance for configuring HW as an organizational system.ObjectiveTo update the conceptualization of HW and identify elements for designing hybrid work organization (HWO) from a task-based perspective.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted from June to August 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed English-language articles (2020-2025) were retrieved from Scopus, and grey literature (2022-2025) was incorporated through complementary searches and snowballing. Research quality was appraised using MMAT and AACODS tools. Of 363 records screened, 110 full texts were assessed, and 25 met inclusion criteria.ResultsHW emerges as a sociotechnical phenomenon embedded in the digital transformation of work. A multidimensional lens - spatial, temporal, digital/virtual, and social - applied to task categories (individual, collaborative, coordination) identified key designable elements for HWO. Findings indicate that HW extends beyond fixed remote-on-site ratios, emphasizing intentional alternation, task-fit configurations, and dynamic adjustments as work evolves.ConclusionsHWO is context-specific and adaptive, shaped by task requirements rather than predefined schedules or locations. No single model prevails; instead, tailored configurations reflect the variability of real work. Advancing HW as a sociotechnical system requires rethinking organizational culture and management logic, shifting from presence and control-oriented paradigms toward flexible, task-driven, and performance-focused approaches. Progress depends on treating organizational design as a participatory process that aligns arrangements with demands.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Work-Family Balance Challenges Digital Economy and Work Transformation Digital Transformation in Industry

Publication details

Journal / source
Work
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Volume
85
Issue
2
Pages
10519815261423140–10519815261423140
Publication date
20 February 2026
Language
EN