The Future of Workplace Collaboration: McLean & Company Report Reveals How Workplaces Can Thrive in a Hybrid, AI-Driven World

Global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company has released a new report, The Future of Workplace Collaboration, that reveals how organizations must reimagine collaboration amid hybrid work, rapid AI advancements, and changing employee expectations. Drawing on survey data from 467 professionals and executive insights, the firm's research highlights that effective collaboration, anchored in culture, skills, and technology, is essential for driving engagement and promoting productivity in the decade ahead.

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -  As organizations around the world are having to face the realities of hybrid work, the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, and rising employee expectations for flexibility and connection, global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company has released a critical new report, The Future of Workplace Collaboration. This research arrives at a pivotal moment when many organizations are struggling to strike the right balance between human connection and technology-enabled efficiency. Drawing on McLean & Company's proprietary 2025 Workplace Collaboration Survey of 467 professionals, along with in-depth executive interviews and secondary research from more than 150 academic and industry sources, the firm's report provides a comprehensive analysis of how collaboration is being redefined and what organizations must do to unlock its full potential in the decade ahead.

McLean & Company advises that collaboration, once synonymous with teamwork and communication, is now a far more complex and dynamic force. It encompasses a spectrum of interactions ranging from simple information sharing to full integration across teams and functions and, increasingly, with technology. The firm's recently published report makes clear that in an era defined by hybrid work, global distribution of teams, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, organizations must deliberately reimagine how collaboration happens if they are to thrive.

"Collaboration is often regarded as a workplace activity, but in reality, it's so much more," said Alexandra Zawora, Manager, Human Resources Research & Advisory Services, at McLean & Company. "Our research shows that effective collaboration must be intentional and balanced, combining human connection with technology-enabled efficiency. Organizations that fail to adapt risk missed opportunities, siloed operations, and diminished employee experience."

Key Insights From McLean & Company's The Future of Workplace Collaboration Report

• Collaboration drives measurable business outcomes. According to survey results, employees who agree their organization has a collaborative environment are 5.4 times more likely to be engaged and 1.9 times more likely to say they intend to stay with their organization. High-performing organizations that effectively leverage technology for collaboration are also twice as likely to report improved workforce productivity.
• Balance is critical. Nearly one in three survey respondents reported their organization does not collaborate enough, leading to silos and inefficiencies. Conversely, over-collaboration, such as excessive meetings, unclear roles, and information overload, slows progress and drives burnout. The most effective organizations strike a deliberate balance.
• Technology is reshaping how we collaborate and with whom. From AI and chatbots to collaborative robotics, technology is no longer just a tool in workplaces – instead, it functions as a strategic partner. While these advancements can increase agility and unlock new economic value, they also introduce risks, from privacy and ethical concerns to the erosion of human connection and critical thinking skills.
• Structural and cultural barriers persist. McLean & Company's data insights highlight that inefficient processes, complex organizational structures, and a lack of collaboration skills are the top barriers to effective collaboration. Cultures that fail to build trust or reward teamwork further undermine progress.
• Strategic enablers define future success. The report identifies six enablers: culture, skills, process, technology, structure, and HR partnership. McLean & Company advises that HR leaders must activate these in partnership with executives to ensure collaboration drives sustained organizational performance.

"When done well, collaboration becomes a catalyst for agility, innovation, and profitability," said Rachel Stewart, Associate Vice President, HR Research & Advisory Services, at McLean & Company. "But without intentional design, it risks creating inefficiency and frustration. This report equips HR leaders and executives with the tools to diagnose their current state and build tailored strategies that enable collaboration to flourish across people, processes, and technology."

McLean & Company's report guides HR professionals through a structured reflection process, from assessing whether collaboration is an organizational priority to engaging key players, evaluating current practices, and mapping out actionable next steps. By adopting a data-driven and human-centric approach, organizations can remove critical barriers, foster trust and engagement, and design collaborative environments that meet today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.

The full report, The Future of Workplace Collaboration, is now available from McLean & Company.

Media Inquiries for HR Analysts and Experts

For media inquiries or to connect with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights on human resources, collaboration, and how to build resilient, future-ready teams, please contact Communications Manager Katie Tame at [email protected].

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company pairs evidence-based research and immediately applicable tools with deep HR expertise to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future. The global HR research and advisory firm's member organizations enjoy comprehensive resources, full-service diagnostics, workshops, action plans, and advisory services for all levels of HR professionals, from executive leadership to HR leaders to HR team members, that help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McLean & Company