A hybrid work environment is a flexible workplace model that supports both remote and in-office workers. It is a fairly new concept — one that was necessitated by the pandemic — but despite the challenges this new setup poses, it's clear that business leaders want to succeed in its implementation.
Whether your measurement for success in the hybrid workplace is improved employee productivity, workflow efficiency, team camaraderie, or work-life balance, this guide walks you through how you can utilize IT to achieve your definition of success.
Focus on security
Any company that implements or plans to implement hybrid work needs to secure access to all devices used for day-to-today operations, such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets. This is especially important if your remote workers tend to connect to unsecured public networks or use their own devices while working off-site.
And because there are more endpoints to secure in a hybrid setup, businesses are more vulnerable to cybercrime. This is why it’s even more crucial that your organization has a robust security infrastructure in place. Some essential safeguards are firewalls, antiviruses, and mobile device management (MDM) software with remote wiping capabilities.
Improving your cybersecurity policy and training your workforce on cybersecurity best practices are also critical in keeping data secure in a hybrid setup.
If you want to ensure that you have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy fit for a hybrid office, consider partnering with a third party that specializes in that field, like HERO Managed Services.
Invest in collaboration and communication tools
A strong network with reliable cloud services can enhance collaboration between employees who may not even share an office space together. Collaboration and communication tools help guarantee that everyone stays connected and has access to company files no matter where they're located, boosting productivity levels across the board.
Use instant messaging and chat tools for quicker and more efficient office communication, yet maintain email as a primary mode of internal communications for non-urgent matters or long announcements. You can also empower your employees to be more connected, productive, and engaged by utilizing video conferencing software.
By integrating remote workers into existing teams' conversations with better collaboration tools, you can develop stronger relationships between distant colleagues to increase productivity and foster team camaraderie.
Explore space management applications
A hybrid work setup can be a challenge for facility managers in charge of monitoring how many people occupy the office at a given time. If there is no limit to the number of people who are allowed to work on-site, the office can get cramped and some employees can end up not having space to work in.
Turn to workplace and space management apps that set limits on how many people can work on-site in an area during a specific time. By leveraging these apps’ advanced scheduling features, your company can create policies regarding telecommuting and flex schedules while reducing wasted resources (e.g., unused conference rooms) by setting occupancy thresholds based on company needs and employee preferences.
Use analytics to better address hybrid workplace needs
Use data analytics to determine how many people prefer working in-office versus remotely by looking at metrics like office utilization rates, device usage (e.g., laptops vs. desktop computers), and the location from which devices sign in. You can also compare employees’ productivity levels when they are working at home and in the office to discover factors that may drive or hinder productivity.
By using generated data to understand your employees' work preferences, you can create a hybrid environment that enables them to be more productive and contributes to their overall satisfaction.
As hybrid working gains more traction in the new normal, companies using this model will need to look for more ways to leverage IT more effectively. If they learn how to do so, they can enjoy higher productivity rates and lower costs — all while making employees happier. If you need help in setting up a hybrid workplace, call our experts at HERO Managed Services today.
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