Remote innovation in the era of remote and hybrid work

Over the last several years, the way we work has transformed. Distributed teams, hybrid schedules, and digital-first workflows are no longer the exception — they’re the new norm. And with that shift comes a question many businesses are grappling with:

Can innovation thrive when we’re not in the same room?

The answer is a resounding yes. But it requires intentionality.

While we’ve made huge strides in virtual operations — seamless video calls, cloud-based project management, and asynchronous communication — innovation has always been more than just operations. It’s about mindset and collaboration. These are the two elements we must actively nurture in a remote and hybrid world.

Creative mindset

Early-stage ideation — and knowing when to pivot — relies heavily on the right frame of mind. We often seek to escape the hyper-rational mode of day-to-day execution in order to tap into more intuitive, abstract thinking. In-person, we might do this through offsite sessions, inspiration talks, or field research.

But even when working remotely, we can still spark this kind of creative energy. Try:

• Doodling exercises or word associations
• Brief meditations or movement breaks
• Watching an inspiring TED Talk or performance
• Creating a shared mood board
• Starting a meeting with music or storytelling

The remote and hybrid era has disrupted old patterns, opening the door to fresh perspectives. In this reconfigured routine, we may actually be more capable of accessing “beginner’s mind” — a mindset that sheds preconceptions and welcomes new ways of thinking.

Still, it’s important to stay grounded. Stress, isolation, or burnout can cloud creativity. So take the walk. Stretch. Meditate. Move. Your next big idea might be on the other side of a deep breath.

Remote collaboration

At Modus, we love a good workshop. Historically, that meant getting diverse thinkers together in a room, surrounded by sticky notes and whiteboards. Today, it’s about replicating that energy virtually — and yes, it can be done. Here are a few key tips:

Choose the right platform — and master it

Whether you’re on Zoom, Teams, Miro, or something else, make sure your facilitation team knows the tools inside and out. Consider having IT support on standby and encourage participants to test tech ahead of time.

Stick to proven frameworks

Design thinking still works. Agile rituals still work. The format may shift, but the underlying principles don’t. Build your agendas based on what has worked before — just adapt for interactivity and screen fatigue.

Create intentional social time

What’s missing virtually is the “hallway magic.” Plan for it. Open sessions with breakfast hangouts or casual chats. Try random chats — spontaneous 1:1s across teams — or cap the day with a virtual happy hour.

Breakout sessions & solo ideation

Most video platforms support breakout rooms. Use them to mimic the natural group flow of an in-person session. Mix that with quiet solo time to sketch, brainstorm, or reflect before regrouping to share ideas.

Prioritize breaks

Encourage movement and rest. Add structured wellness moments — even group stretches — especially during long sessions. A five-minute pause can unlock five hours of focus.

Use the tools for fun, too

Leverage emojis, polls, custom backgrounds, icebreakers, and GIFs to keep energy high. Humor and levity aren’t just nice — they’re essential for fostering psychological safety and trust.

Invite the physical world in

While we’re separated by screens, we’re still rooted in our environments. Ask participants to give quick virtual “home tours,” introduce a pet, or share a meaningful object from their space. These moments build empathy and connection.

Why lean into remote innovation?

Because the future of work is hybrid. Travel budgets are tighter. Commutes are different. Cross-functional teams often span cities or continents. Even as in-person meetings return in some form, the default for many organizations remains distributed.

And the stakes are high. Innovation can’t pause. Businesses must continuously evolve to stay competitive — and that requires new thinking, shared ideas, and bold experimentation.

This new era doesn’t have to be a constraint. In fact, it may be the most creative, connected, and human-centered chapter yet — if we embrace it intentionally.

Let's build what's next

At Modus, we’re helping companies spark innovation no matter where their teams are. Whether you’re launching a new digital product, reimagining your customer journey, or simply looking for a better way to work together — we’re here to help.

✨ Interested in organizing a remote or hybrid innovation workshop?
📩 Reach out — let’s co-create the future, together.