Cambiamos el modo de trabajar.

It can mean either one.

With -ar verbs, the nosotros form of the present tense and the preterite are identical:

• cambiamos = we change / we are changing
• cambiamos = we changed

So the sentence by itself is ambiguous. Context tells you which meaning is intended.

For example:

• In a general discussion: Cambiamos el modo de trabajar = We change the way we work
• In a past narrative: Ayer cambiamos el modo de trabajar = Yesterday we changed the way we work

Because Spanish often leaves subject pronouns out.

The verb ending -amos already tells you the subject is we. So nosotros is not necessary unless the speaker wants emphasis, contrast, or clarity.

Compare:

• Cambiamos el modo de trabajar = normal, neutral
• Nosotros cambiamos el modo de trabajar = we changed it, maybe contrasting with someone else

Spanish usually uses the definite article more often than English does.

In English, you might say we changed the way we work. Spanish naturally uses el before modo because it is referring to a specific way or method.

So:

• el modo de trabajar = the way of working
• modo de trabajar without the article sounds less natural here

Sometimes yes, but in this sentence it is better understood as way, manner, or method.

So el modo de trabajar is not really talking about a computer-style mode. It means something more like:

• the way of working
• the manner of working
• the method of working

Yes, it is correct and natural, but in everyday speech many speakers might more often say:

• la forma de trabajar
• la manera de trabajar

All three are possible:

• modo
• forma
• manera

Modo can sound slightly more formal, abstract, or institutional depending on context.

Because Spanish commonly uses noun + de + infinitive to express the way/method of doing something.

So:

• modo de trabajar = way of working
• forma de aprender = way of learning
• manera de vivir = way of living

Here, trabajar is an infinitive meaning to work or working as an activity.

Because trabajar refers to the action or activity of working, while trabajo is a noun meaning work, job, or piece of work.

So:

• modo de trabajar = way of working
• modo de trabajo = work mode / working mode / mode of work

The version with trabajar focuses more clearly on how people work.

The difference is small, but real.

• modo de trabajar focuses on the action: the way of working
• modo de trabajo sounds more noun-based: work mode, working mode, or mode of operation

In many everyday contexts, modo de trabajar is more clearly about people’s habits or methods.
Modo de trabajo can sound more technical, organizational, or system-related.

The direct object is el modo de trabajar.

The verb cambiar is transitive here, which means something gets changed.

Structure:

• Cambiamos = we change / we changed
• el modo de trabajar = the thing being changed

So the sentence means that we changed the way of working.

Yes, absolutely. That is very natural.

It means We changed our way of working and makes the idea a bit more explicit.

Compare:

• Cambiamos el modo de trabajar = We changed the way of working
• Cambiamos nuestra forma de trabajar = We changed our way of working

Adding nuestra makes it clearer that it is our working style or method.

Yes, but if you change it too much, the meaning or grammar may shift.

For example:

• Cambiamos el modo de trabajar = We changed the way of working
• El modo de trabajar cambió = The way of working changed

These are related, but not the same:

• In the first sentence, we are the subject and actively change something
• In the second sentence, the way of working is the subject and it changes

So word order matters because it can affect who is doing the action.

A little, yes.

It is perfectly correct, but in casual conversation many speakers might choose something like:

• Cambiamos la forma de trabajar
• Cambiamos nuestra manera de trabajar
• Hemos cambiado la forma de trabajar

So Cambiamos el modo de trabajar is natural, but it can sound slightly more formal, written, or business-like depending on context.