Technology has completely transformed the way we work. We are no longer bound to physical office space. Now, we can work from anywhere in the world.
The pandemic has accelerated this trend, with more people working from home. But as we start to return to the office, many of us are finding that a hybrid model of working – combining time at home and in the office – is the best way forward.
What is Hybrid Work?
The trend for hybrid work has been growing steadily over the past few years, but it came to the fore during the pandemic. Hybrid work is simply a mix of working from home and working in the office. It is a flexible way of working that everyone can tailor to their needs.
Best Technology Tips for Hybrid Work
If you are going to be working in a hybrid model, some technology tips can help to make the transition smoother.
1. Get the Right Tools
The first step is to make sure you have the right tools for the job. If you are going to be working from home, you need to have a good internet connection and a laptop or desktop computer. If you are going to be working in the office, you might need a separate set of tools. For example, if you are going to be using video conferencing, you will need a webcam and microphone.
2. Create Secure Access Controls
Whether an employee is working on-site or off-site, your business must keep this information secure. The best way to do this is to use a VPN, which encrypts data transmitted between an employee’s device and the company network.
3. Use Cloud-Based Storage and Collaboration Tools
If you want to make it easy for employees to work together, whether they are in the office or out of the office, you need to use cloud-based storage and collaboration tools. Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are all great options.
4. Implement Single Sign-On
If you are using lots of different cloud-based applications, it can be time-consuming for employees to have to log in to each one separately. Single sign-on (SSO) is a solution that allows employees to use one set of credentials (usually their company login) to access multiple applications. This saves time and makes it easier for employees to start their work.
5. Consider Mobile Device Management
If your employees are going to be using their own devices for work (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones), you need to consider mobile device management (MDM). MDM solutions allow you to manage and secure devices remotely.
6. Encourage Working from Home Days
If you want to make hybrid work successful, it is important to encourage employees to work from home at least some of the time. This will help them to adjust to working from home and make the transition to a hybrid model smoother.
7. Invest in Ergonomic Office Furniture
If you are going to be spending time working in the office, it is important to invest in ergonomic office furniture. This will help to prevent injuries and ensure that employees are comfortable when they are in the office.
8. Make Use of Meeting Rooms
If you have meeting rooms in your office, make sure you are using them. They can be a suitable place for team collaboration and brainstorming sessions.
9. Stay Connected
One of the challenges of hybrid work is staying connected with your colleagues. You might be working from home one day and in the office the next, so it is important to stay in touch. There are lots of ways to stay connected, including voice calls, instant messaging, and video conferencing. For example, Microsoft Teams includes these communication methods in a single platform. In short, it is important to find a method that works for you and your team.
10. Be Flexible
The key to making hybrid work successful is to be flexible. It is important to remember that not everyone will want to work in the same way. Some people might prefer to work from home, while others might prefer to work in the office. It is important to find a balance that works for everyone.
What are the benefits of hybrid work?
1. Increased Productivity
When done right, hybrid work can lead to increased productivity. Studies have shown that people who work from home are more productive than those who work in an office. And when you combine the two, you get the best of both worlds.
2. Better Work-Life Balance
Hybrid work can also lead to a better work-life balance. When you can mix working from home with time in the office, you can structure your week in a way that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you have young children at home, you might choose to work from home on Mondays and Wednesdays so that you can spend more time with them. Then, you could go into the office for the rest of the week.
3. More Engaged Employees
Employees who have a good work-life balance are more engaged with their work. And when employees are engaged, they are more productive, which is good for both them and the company.
4. Less Stress
A hybrid work model can also lead to less stress. When you can mix working from home with time in the office, you can avoid stressful situations, like rush-hour traffic or difficult commutes.
5. Lower Overheads
If your company adopts a hybrid work model, it can also lower its overheads. For example, you might need fewer office spaces or desks. And if your employees are working from home more, they will need less office equipment, like printers and scanners.
The Bottom Line
The hybrid model of work is an effective way to increase productivity and engagement, while also providing employees with a better work-life balance. If you are considering a hybrid model for your company, it is important to consider the tips and benefits above. With the right planning and execution, a hybrid model can be an enormous success.
Are you looking for help transitioning to this type of work arrangement? SwiftTech Solutions offers technology consulting services that can assist you in making the change. Contact us by emailing info@swifttechsolutions.com or calling 877-794-3811.