Improving productivity through effective communication and well-being in distributed project teams

Abstract

This study examines effective communication and wellbeing in distributed project teams, aiming to identify the key factors that drive productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work, reshaping collaboration and emphasising the importance of strong virtual communication and employee wellbeing. Guided by three research questions, the study investigates the factors that influence productivity, the alignment between theory and practice, and how communication and wellbeing interact in distributed teams—where members may have different levels of social connection while working towards shared goals.

Using a qualitative approach, the research combines a PRISMA-guided systematic literature review with Thematic Analysis and the Gioia Method, drawing on 41 interviews across five Australian organisations. Findings highlight three key points: effective communication includes both structured practices, such as clear roles, knowledge sharing, and feedback, and informal interactions that build trust; wellbeing underpins productivity through workload balance, psychological support, self-aware leadership, and collaboration; and organisational context, including culture, planning, and leadership, shapes how these factors operate. Together, these elements interact to influence productivity. The study offers practical guidance for managing distributed teams and contributes a framework linking communication, wellbeing, and organisational context.