Dr. Darja Šmite is a leading expert in Global Software Engineering (GSE), dedicated to helping organizations master the complexities of distributed work. As a Professor at the top-ranked Software Engineering Research Lab (SERL Sweden), she combines academic rigor with industrial relevance to improve team efficiency, coordination, and decision-making in offshoring and outsourcing contexts .

Her research bridges the gap between theory and practice, with recent work focusing on the post-pandemic evolution of work—moving from “forced work-from-home” to flexible “work-from-anywhere” models . An active consultant and advisor, Dr. Šmite collaborates with industry partners to implement evidence-based improvements in agile processes and distributed team management .

In this conversation, Benjamin and Darja Smite explore the evolution of remote and hybrid work over the past five years, particularly in light of the pandemic. They discuss cultural differences in work practices, the impact of remote work on team dynamics and productivity, and the challenges of onboarding in a fully remote environment. The conversation also touches on the importance of social connections, the changing nature of meetings, and strategies for effective collaboration in a hybrid work setting. Darja shares insights from her research, highlighting the need for companies to adapt their policies to fit their unique cultures and the evolving landscape of work.

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