Silent Signals: Nonverbal Communication and Team Cohesion in Hybrid Organizations

Abstract

Hybrid work—where team members mix on-site and remote work—has become a dominant organizational arrangement since 2020. While hybrid models deliver flexibility and wellbeing benefits, they also change how teams exchange information: many nonverbal signals available in face-to-face settings are weakened or missing virtually. This paper synthesizes recent empirical work and organizational reports to examine how nonverbal communication (facial expressions, gestures, proxemics, timing/turn-taking cues) affects team cohesion in hybrid contexts. We combine a focused literature review with secondary data (industry surveys) to (a) characterize where nonverbal cues are lost or altered in hybrid teams, (b) identify mechanisms by which those losses affect trust, identification, and coordination, and (c) propose practical design and managerial interventions that recover or substitute silent signals. Key findings: hybrid arrangements are widely preferred by employees, yet teams face measurable proximity bias and losses in spontaneous feedback that reduce perceived cohesion when not actively managed. We conclude with a short, evidence-based toolkit (meeting protocols, technology affordances, training) for organizations seeking to preserve cohesion while keeping hybrid flexibility. (Owl Labs)