In this article, we’ll take a close look at four key areas in a hybrid workplace where technology will play a major role.
Why is it important to reimagine technology in the hybrid scenario?
By reconfiguring or enhancing the digital workplace to support hybrid work behaviors, leaders can set up a system that derives insights from individuals working from anywhere and understand how they can best contribute to the organization. A robust digital workplace also provides the tools necessary to improve collaboration across physical and digital spaces, support professional growth and enhance people’s sense of belonging.
In the Nordics, employees are keen on better digital assets that can make their work more seamless, our Work Reimagined survey finds. More than half (51%) of the employees in the Nordics want better technology in the office, while 45% are more eager about home office “hardware” investments. These figures show how the role of a digital workplace is already understood and accepted by employees.
In essence, an inclusive and comprehensive digital workplace strengthens every aspect of the hybrid work continuum. What would be the main areas where technology would play a greater role in the hybrid workplace? Let’s find out.
1. Employee experience
Even before hybrid work came into play, we have seen how technology can augment virtual experiences. This trend persists today and aligns very well to the workplace. The technology experiences that employers provide can define the employee experience in a hybrid setting.
How employees connect, communicate and collaborate defines the employee experience. As a result, facilitating these qualities through the digital workplace becomes of paramount importance to employers.
Using advanced technologies to enhance team building, ideation, co-creation and upskilling will have a huge positive impact on how people view your organization. Besides improving employee satisfaction, this would also serve as a great currency to attract new talent.
2. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity measures have always been very integral to an organization’s everyday operations and have been baked into its anatomy. Hybrid working, if anything, has only made the need to focus on cybersecurity even more important.
Remote and hybrid work models hold huge implications for network design. A distributed workforce means that we’re no longer in a perimeter-based world. As a result, networking and security need to be secure by design.
While organizations can mould company premises to ensure they’re safe, it might not be realistic to expect the same level of safety at remote workspaces (co-working spaces, home, cafes). If not addressed, this can put employees and the organization at risk.