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The Impact of Interruptions and Task Switching on Developer Productivity in Hybrid Work Environments
Blekinge Institute of Technology, Faculty of Computing, Department of Software Engineering.
Blekinge Institute of Technology, Faculty of Computing, Department of Software Engineering.
2025 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

Modern hybrid work environments, where team members divide their time between remote and on-site settings, pose unique challenges for software developers, whose productivity relies on heavy focus. Frequent interruptions (e.g., instant messages, emails, unscheduled meetings) can extend resumption lag, the time it takes to regain optimal task engagement after an interruption. This thesis aims to explore how interruption frequency and task switching specifically influence developers’ resumption lag and overall work productivity within hybrid teams. By employing a mixed-methods approach using survey response from individual within the software development circle, along with existing research in the form of literature review, the study measures both objective (e.g., task completion time, error rates) and subjective (e.g., perceived productivity, self-assessment) performance indicators. A thorough discussion of the results of the survey conducted in this study was held to explore the sensitive nature of developers' understanding and perception of their productivity. Conclusions reached from the survey analysis and literature review in this research proved that there is in fact a relationship between interruption and the resumption lag of developers in software development teams. The findings additionally provide actionable recommendations for minimizing disruptive interruptions, thereby improving long-term productivity and sustainability in hybrid software development settings.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. ca 20
Keywords [en]
Resumption lag, Task switching, Productivity, Hybrid work
National Category
Software Engineering
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:bth-28545OAI: oai:DiVA.org:bth-28545DiVA, id: diva2:1992025
Subject / course
PA1445 Kandidatkurs i Programvaruteknik
Educational program
PAGPT Software Engineering
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2025-08-26 Created: 2025-08-26 Last updated: 2025-09-30Bibliographically approved

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