The New World of Work: Distributed, Remote, Co-located, and Hybrid Teams Explained

Let’s clear up the confusion around all the workplace lingo. Distributed, remote, co-located, hybrid… it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin! These terms aren’t just trendy buzzwords – they’re reflections of the evolving ways we work in the modern world. And understanding the differences between them matters. Why? Because when leaders and teams are clear on what these models entail, we can all get on the same page and build strategies and engagements that work.

Not too long ago, the “office” meant one thing: a single physical location where everyone showed up, Monday through Friday. But with advances in technology, a shift in work culture, and a global pandemic that forced us all to rethink what’s possible, the modern workplace now comes in all shapes and sizes.

Let’s break down the definitions, so we can all speak the same language when it comes to where and how we work.

Distributed Teams: All the Talent, All the Time Zones ??

A distributed team is a group of people working together from multiple locations, sometimes across different time zones, often across different countries. This doesn’t mean everyone is working remotely. In many distributed teams, team members work out of local offices, but they’re spread out geographically.

For instance, you could have team members in New York, Tokyo, and Berlin, each working from a different company office. Distributed teams are fantastic for businesses wanting to tap into global talent, but it can mean scheduling meetings at odd hours or practicing “follow-the-sun” workflows.

And yes, it’s a bit like having a big, globally spread-out family… minus the shared casseroles.

Co-located Teams: The Classic Office Setup ??

In a co-located team, all team members work in the same physical space. This setup is ideal for roles that benefit from constant, real-time collaboration – think spontaneous brainstorming, quick hallway chats, or a team lunch that doesn’t require anyone to unmute themselves.

While it may feel “old-school” compared to remote options, co-located work still has its perks. If you’re in the same room, it’s much easier to catch someone for a quick answer or brainstorm on the fly. Plus, there’s less chance your meeting will be interrupted by a Wi-Fi hiccup or the family dog!

Remote Work: The Work-from-Anywhere Life ??

Remote work is when a team member works entirely outside of any physical company office. This could mean working from home, a coffee shop, or even a hammock by the beach (Wi-Fi permitting). Remote work doesn’t mean you’ll occasionally pop into a co-working space or grab a desk at the local coffee shop. It means there’s no expectation to show up anywhere in person.

The perk? No commute, fewer interruptions, and all the freedom. Plus, you finally get to rock those pajamas as “business casual.”

Hybrid Work: Finding the Balance ??

Hybrid work combines the best of both worlds – a blend of remote and in-office time. Team members are expected to split their time between the office and home (or wherever they choose to work remotely). Hybrid setups provide flexibility, but it also requires careful scheduling and clear expectations. It’s like juggling two worlds, and when done right, it can be incredibly productive.

Hybrid work is all about balance – you get the in-person connection of an office environment with the independence of remote work. And as long as everyone’s clear on the expectations, it’s a setup that can foster both productivity and morale.

Why This Matters

Understanding these distinctions is more than just semantics. For companies, clearly defining work models means they can set appropriate expectations and build cohesive strategies. When leaders say, “We’re a distributed team,” it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone’s working from home. And when they issue a work-from-home policy, it means the expectation is for employees to work fully remotely.

What’s Next?

In the next installment, I’ll be exploring the foundations of high-performing teams in these diverse setups. Does “where I work” actually affect performance and productivity? Spoiler alert: It does! Let’s dig into the nuances in my next article.