The effect of co-location on human communication networks

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that co-location significantly influences the formation and regeneration of weak ties in human communication networks, with implications for organizational communication and hybrid work policies.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence linking physical proximity to tie formation and introduces a model that reproduces observed network dynamics based on co-location.

Findings

Loss of over 4,800 weak ties during lockdown due to lack of co-location

Partial re-introduction of co-location leads to regeneration of weak ties

Physical proximity is crucial for tie formation and information flow in workplaces

Abstract

The ability to rewire ties in communication networks is vital for large-scale human cooperation and the spread of new ideas. We show that lack of researcher co-location during the COVID-19 lockdown caused the loss of more than 4,800 weak ties -- ties between distant parts of the social system that enable the flow of novel information -- over 18 months in the email network of a large North American university. Furthermore, we find that the re-introduction of partial co-location through a hybrid work mode led to a partial regeneration of weak ties. We quantify the effect of co-location in forming ties through a model based on physical proximity, which is able to reproduce all empirical observations. Results indicate that employees who are not co-located are less likely to form ties, weakening the spread of information in the workplace. Such findings could contribute to a better understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of human communication networks, and help organizations that are moving towards the implementation of hybrid work policies evaluate the minimum amount of in-person interaction necessary for a productive work environment.