[Virtual hallway chats and status updates: collaboration in avatar-based work environments].

Abstract

This article focuses on the collaboration of hybrid teams in avatar-based virtual office environments. Based on the three dimensions of virtuality, we pursue the following research questions: (1) How is everyday work and collaboration coordinated in these environments? and (2) Which advantages and challenges do users perceive in relation to this form of work? Based on a multi-method study consisting of qualitative interviews with experienced users and a participatory focus group discussion with new users, we illustrate that collaboration in avatar-based work environments is marked by a diverse array of work practices-ranging from co-present to mobile work-and that promising implementation methods exist to coordinate these practices. However, our results also suggest that to exploit this potential, not only the virtual environments but also teams' work practices and digital infrastructure must be further developed.Practical relevance: The study discusses virtuality based on a currently used avatar-based work environment and illustrates the perspectives of experienced and new users on collaboration in these socio-technical work systems. Specifically, we present concrete implementations and challenges of collaborative work practices in these virtual environments, which offer orientation for practitioners interested in applying these solutions to their own work contexts.