SyncWork: Comparison of Brain Synchrony between Agile and Face-to-Face Work Using an EEG Hyperscanning Paradigm

One of the goals of the project—“Emerging psychosocial risks in the changing world of work: identifying and developing evidence, solutions, and tools to support assessment and management in a multi-method approach” recently funded by INAIL and coordinated by the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy—is to explore neurobiological differences between agile work (or smart working) and in-person work. Specifically, the goal of SyncWork, one of the work packages of the project coordinated by the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy, is to investigate whether there are significant differences in interbrain synchrony between agile work (or smart working) and in-person work during collaborative activities. Understanding the differences in interbrain synchrony between agile work and in-person work could provide valuable insights into the underlying neural dynamics of these work modes and their influence on communication, collaboration, and work performance. Moreover, such knowledge could contribute to the development of strategies and guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of individuals involved in remote work. Finally, this understanding could help identify potential challenges or issues associated with smart working. Therefore, the results could provide valuable information to improve the effectiveness of individuals involved in remote work and optimize collaboration and communication within virtual teams.