Task and creative performance in working from home during Covid-19: an application of social network analysis

This chapter investigates how involuntary work-from-home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic affected knowledge workers’ task and creative performance, using social network analysis across five units in two professional services firms. Drawing on organizational theory, communication theory, and strategic management, the study distinguishes between exploitative (task-oriented) and explorative (creative and innovative) activities. Findings reveal that, contrary to expectations of disruption, WFH enhanced both task performance and creative performance. Task performance benefited from lean communication channels and was moderated by media skills, while creative performance improved with richer non-workflow communication, though media skills played no role. Organizational integration (tenure) positively influenced task performance, but women—often considered less integrated—reported higher creative performance, suggesting distinctive digital communication practices. The study highlights that remote work effectiveness depends on communication strategies, integration, and skill development, offering insights for hybrid work design and equity in digital collaboration.