Field-Based Research on Hybrid Work: Approaching more inclusive Research practices for broader Perspectives?

With the post-pandemic transitions between virtual and office spaces, "hybrid work" has emerged as a key practice. In human-computer interaction (HCI) research, hybrid work is often defined as a mode where teams collaborate on projects with some members co-located while others connect remotely. This leads to constantly changing collaboration configurations and team dynamics. People with disabilities can contribute unique perspectives, viewing hybrid work as an accessibility tool to overcome physical barriers. This can provide advantages through greater choice in designing the work environment and enhancing inclusion via technology. However, challenges arise as hybrid teams may have less awareness of remote participants, creating "in"- and "out"-groups and leading to inherent asymmetries. The specific effects of this work style on people with disabilities remain underexplored, highlighting a gap in existing studies, as few recent publications have included individuals with disabilities in their research samples compared to the broader scope of this field.