Abstract:
We begin this conceptual paper, by outlining three
recent developments in the context of the changing the
nature of work: (1) the increasing proportion of remote
work, (2) the quickly expanding use of (generative) AI applications, and (3) the growing advancements in virtual world
technologies and platforms. We argue that the synthesis
of these developments will vastly impact traditional work
models and practices. This transformation warrants a critical rethinking of the traditional understanding of hybrid
work which, so far, has predominantly focused on the spectrum of in-person and remote work. We suggest adjusting
this perspective and posit grand challenges and related
research questions in order to do so.