Remote work has prevailed over the last few years, with more employers offering flexibility when it comes to office presence. And while not all businesses have fully switched to a remote model, the shifting workforce dynamics have called for a more flexible approach. This has led to many businesses finding a happy medium between the two: hybrid work environments. This model blends the best of both worlds–office and remote work–so employees can work from home at least a few times a week.
But as an employer, adopting a hybrid work environment means having the right technology and infrastructure in place to support hybrid employees. Questions like, “How will employees make calls? How will they stay securely connected?” must be thoroughly addressed.
Let’s explore the essential technologies needed to effectively support a hybrid team.
Collaboration Tools
Software like Slack, Trello, and Asana make it easier for hybrid teams to collaborate, whether they’re in the office or working remotely. These tools offer features like real-time chat, task assignments, and project management to keep everyone organized and aligned. Whether it’s a quick message or tracking a long-term project, these platforms help ensure that all team members stay connected and on the same page—no matter where they’re working from. Plus, they integrate easily with other business tools, boosting productivity across the board.
Robust Laptops
A high-performance laptop is vital for employees who frequently move between the office and remote locations. But not just any laptop–it’s crucial to invest in technology that can support both in-office productivity and the flexibility to handle demanding tasks on the go. Dynabook laptops are a great example because they offer great portability without compromising on performance. With long battery life, lightweight designs, and advanced security features, they support seamless transitions between work environments. Plus, their high-performance processors allow users to easily run multiple applications simultaneously, ensuring smooth workflows anywhere.
Communication Tools
Strong communication is crucial for any team, but it’s even more essential when your workforce is spread across different locations. Equip your team with tools that ensure smooth collaboration. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems offer crystal-clear, reliable communication while cutting down traditional phone costs. These systems come with helpful features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and conference calling, allowing teams to stay connected from anywhere. Plus, with VoIP mobile apps, employees can answer desk extensions on their cell phones, ensuring they never miss important calls, even on the go.
Printers
While digital workflows are increasing, physical paperwork is still a necessity in many workplaces. With teams often splitting time between home and the office, it’s essential to invest in a printer that accommodates both in-office and remote workers. For instance, Sharp printers allow users to send print jobs remotely with special network technologies (VPN or Papercut), ensuring workflows remain smooth regardless of location. Plus, features like mobile printing and secure “Follow Me” printing make it easier for teams to stay productive, even when working from different locations.
Cybersecurity Measures
With employees accessing business data from home networks, hybrid setups require enhanced cybersecurity measures. Key security measures include multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users access systems, encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to safeguard remote connections. Endpoint security is also essential for monitoring devices across different networks. Additionally, regular security training for employees, especially on recognizing phishing attempts, further strengthens defense against cyber threats.
Video Conferencing Tools
To bridge the gap between in-office and remote employees, it is crucial to provide your team with communication tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. These tools facilitate face-to-face interactions for team meetings, client presentations, or just quick check-ins. With features like screen sharing, chat functions, and file sharing, they make remote communication as effective as being in the same room.
Connectivity
A reliable connection is the backbone of a successful hybrid work environment. Without it, communication tools, cloud-based applications, and remote workflows fall apart. Equip your team with high-quality Wi-Fi solutions both at home and in the office to boost productivity and collaboration. Consider investing in high-quality routers and mesh networks, whether consumer-grade or enterprise-grade, to maintain strong, consistent signals.
Equip Your Workforce for Success
Current trends show that remote and hybrid work is here to stay, so remember to invest in technology that keeps your team connected, productive, and secure (Robert Half, 2024). If your business needs assistance creating a hybrid workspace, AD Solutions is here to help. Contact us for custom IT and office technology solutions that fit your needs.
Reference
Robert Half. (2024, August 21). Remote Work Statistics and Trends for 2024. https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/research/remote-work-statistics-and-trends-for-2024#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20significant,are%20continuing%20to%20trend%20downward.
