Many organizations still lack the right culture and technology to support the hybrid workplace effectively.
The pandemic may have triggered a sudden, unexpected shift to remote work, but the reopening of offices did not mark a transition back to full-time onsite work. Organizations have found that a hybrid work model boosts employee satisfaction, morale and retention. It also allows them to access a wider talent pool and potentially reduce overhead costs.
A large percentage of employees with remote-capable jobs prefer a hybrid arrangement, and a majority say that flexibility is a top consideration when choosing a job. Many workers would look for a new job if their employer refused to provide long-term remote options. As a result, most employers offer hybrid work arrangements, making it a new standard in many industries.
However, the success of the hybrid work model is not universal and often depends on the specific organization’s implementation strategy. Many organizations still struggle with challenges such as unclear communication, maintaining fairness and a lack of consistent policies. Many also lack the right technology to support both remote and in-person collaboration.
What Is the Hybrid Workplace?
The hybrid workplace is a mix of remote working and in-person working that balances the needs of the organization and the employee. Some employees work exclusively in-office or remotely, while others split their time between in-office and remote workspaces. Some may work different hours depending on their roles and family responsibilities.
The hybrid workplace capability is nothing new. Only recently, however, has there been a sharp uptick in adoption, leading many organizations to reevaluate the technology that makes remote working possible.
Challenges to an Effective Hybrid Workplace
It’s no longer enough to enable employees to connect to the corporate network, log into their work email and access corporate IT resources. Rather than simply providing tools that allow the business to function in an emergency, organizations need to implement a scalable strategy for leveraging the hybrid workplace to optimize performance and drive growth.
Organizations can begin to reevaluate their hybrid work strategies by asking key questions. Can employees seamlessly switch from in-office to remote working? Are remote workers just as engaged as in-office workers, or are remote workers in a separate silo? Are remote workers using the same tools as in-office workers?
Is the IT team effectively managing and monitoring technology and services used by remote workers? Are remote environments secure? Are compliance requirements being met?
Are employees delivering an exceptional customer experience? Is the hybrid work environment delivering an exceptional employee experience?
These are all questions that need to be addressed to create and maintain an effective hybrid workplace.
The Right Culture and Technology Are Essential
The remote work component of the hybrid workplace is a big change for many organizations. Mutual trust between leadership and employees must be cultivated. Those who choose to work remotely should have the same opportunities for training and advancement as in-office workers and feel just as engaged. This helps organizations build a culture in which the entire team supports and believes in the company vision.
Of course, building such a culture is virtually impossible without the right technology. Collaboration tools such as video, audio, messaging and virtual meetings allow employees to engage and interact in real-time, regardless of location. The key is to provide remote workers with the same capabilities, so there is no drop-off in quality or function when working from home.
For example, virtual video conferencing experiences should closely mimic in-person experiences, and provide everyone with an equal chance to be seen and heard. The right tools will help remote workers feel more engaged and able to collaborate more effectively.
Partnering with the Right Provider Is Critical
Partnering with a technology provider is crucial for hybrid workplace solutions. Qualified providers have expertise and access to the latest tools to design and implement advanced collaboration solutions and enhance the employee experience. Providers also offer essential services such as managing complex integrations, ensuring data security and providing support, which are vital for organizations to maximize the benefits of a flexible work environment.
Managed services help keep the IT environment operating at an optimal level, maximizing productivity for both remote and onsite workers. Qualified providers also offer managed security services to minimize the risk of data breaches and compliance headaches.
The hybrid work model may be the norm, but many organizations still struggle to provide an optimal employee experience. Smart organizations are reevaluating their hybrid work strategies and partnering with a qualified provider to maximize the success of hybrid work.
