March 10, 2023
As we leave the worst period of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, we are learning that some significant changes that have occurred in recent years are here to stay. These include the shift towards a hybrid workplace, that is, a combination of remote and office-based work.
Recent stats show that 84% of those who worked remotely during the pandemic now favour a hybrid solution. 37% of employees would even consider changing employers if their current one doesn't allow them to work partly from home.
In this changing environment, it's helpful for organisations to look at ways to upgrade their hybrid workplace to improve both business profitability and employee satisfaction.
Analytics services can provide valuable data to help managers audit current systems in place, identify possible improvements and decide when it would be helpful to invest in hybrid work systems. They do so by allowing companies to identify trends and patterns in their workflow and indicate what changes can lead to better results. For example, by analysing employee productivity records, it may be possible to pinpoint peaks and lulls in performance before addressing them with new programs or processes.
Analytics services also enable organisations to identify the usage of company resources such as office supplies, computer systems, and software licences. This can help businesses optimise their investments. Additionally, real-time data from analytics systems can ensure that the hybrid work system functions correctly and that employees do their jobs effectively.
Smart collaboration software leveraging machine learning technologies can help teams to optimise their workflow, reduce errors, and enhance communication. For example, these technologies can use natural language processing (NLP) to analyse conversations and documents. This allows them to recognise key concepts and provide feedback on improving them.
These technologies also enable the automation of mundane tasks that would otherwise require human involvement, giving teams more time for more complex tasks that involve strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Finally, another benefit of these systems is the fact that they provide an overview of team performance via usage statistics and other analytics data. This information can generate helpful indicators of employee engagement and productivity levels. It also results in better management of employee projects by providing progress tracking data and insights into task completion times.
Physical security is essential for any organisation that is serious about ensuring the safety of its staff and properties. The benefits of these solutions are not limited to workplaces where all employees work full-time in traditional offices. They can also manage and supervise office visits and activities of hybrid employees. For example, by integrating security camera systems and access control technologies, businesses can effectively protect their premises while allowing easy access to authorised personnel.
Video security also provides an extra layer of protection against potential theft or damage to the property while allowing the organisation to respond in a prompt manner when issues arise. Depending on the specific characteristics of the office, you may want to evaluate more than one type of device and security camera cable.
You should also consider the integration of additional measures, such as motion sensors at doors or windows. These measures will help keep your office even safer when it is unoccupied.
As they rely more on personal devices, such as personal computers and smartphones, remote workers can be more vulnerable to cyber threats than their in-office counterparts. In order to provide them with the highest possible level of safety, businesses should implement strong cybersecurity measures such as virtual private networks (VPNs) for Mac or Windows systems and multi-factor authentication.
Organisations should also consider implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect their systems from malware or hacking attempts, especially considering that hackers can use the “weaker” home devices of remote employees to gain access to company data.
It’s also advisable for businesses to have a clear cybersecurity policy that all employees (regardless of their location) must abide by. Such a policy should include measures for securely storing passwords, authenticating emails, and responding to potential phishing attacks.
Quality video and audio conferencing solutions can make remote calls and meetings clearer and more effective. Technologies that support HD audio and video can ensure that conversations are always crisp and clear. Additionally, reliable network stability should be a priority when selecting a provider, as an unstable network connection can lead to poor audio quality or distorted visuals, both of which can harm productivity.