When hybrid work sparks creativity: the mediating role of engagement and the moderating role of symmetrical internal communication

Purpose – This study examines how locations and hours fit influences employee creativity in hybrid work settings. Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), we investigate the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating effect of symmetrical internal communication (SIC). Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected from 247 hybrid workers. Bootstrapping analysis was used to test the mediating effect of engagement, and stepwise multiple regression was applied to examine the moderating role of SIC in the relationship between locations and hours-fit and engagement. To further interpret the quantitative findings, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five hybrid workers in South Korea. Findings – The results indicate that locations and hours-fit does not directly affect employee creativity. Instead, engagement fully mediates the relationship between fit and creativity. Additionally, SIC strengthens the positive relationship between fit and engagement. Qualitative findings further highlight contextual drivers of engagement in hybrid work settings, including leader trust and perceived fairness. Research limitations/implications – The findings suggest that the impact of hybrid work flexibility on creativity may vary depending on job characteristics and task phases, indicating important directions for future research. Originality/value – This study contributes to hybrid work research by introducing locations and hours-fit as a spatial–temporal dimension of person–environment fit. The findings demonstrate that flexibility alone does not directly generate creative outcomes; instead, engagement serves as the key mechanism translating flexible work arrangements into creativity. The study also identifies SIC as an important contextual factor that strengthens this process. By combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of how hybrid work arrangements influence employee creativity.