Hybrid working has evolved from a passing trend to a preferred work arrangement for many employees. In fact, according to a Gallup poll reported in Forbes magazine, eight out of ten individuals surveyed are now engaged in hybrid work, splitting their time between the office and other locations. This approach has gained significant traction among global knowledge workers, with 39% currently adopting a hybrid pattern, up from 37% in 2022. Despite some criticism surrounding remote work, hybrid arrangements have been endorsed by experts like Stamford professor Nicholas Bloom, who highlights increased productivity as a key benefit.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a significant shift in priorities, with 96% of HR leaders now expressing heightened concerns about employee well-being. As companies navigate this new landscape, it becomes crucial to address the needs of hybrid employees effectively. While many organisations rushed to implement hybrid models in 2020, it is now essential to explore strategies for successful implementation and ensure continued relevance for potential employees. HR leaders indicate that employees now expect personalised work experiences tailored to their unique needs, including hybrid working. The question then arises: Where should companies begin?
In today's landscape, where work intertwines with home and family commitments, providing employees with a comprehensive view of their work environment becomes a big priority. An adaptive digital workplace plays a crucial role in engaging hybrid workers from the moment of onboarding. The introduction of this software solution to the market has made a significant impact. By 2025, over 50% of IT organisations globally are projected to adopt digital employee experience tools to prioritise and evaluate the effectiveness of digital initiatives, a substantial increase from less than 5% just two years ago.
By offering a single log-on system that integrates all the necessary apps and programs within a consistent user interface, an adaptive digital workplace revolutionises the onboarding process. New employees can seamlessly learn about company processes and complete their daily tasks, which enhances productivity and engagement. Streamlined processes are particularly valuable when adopting and rolling out new software, as extraneous factors are eliminated, leading to transformed workflows.
A consistent and high-quality user experience within the digital workplace enables employees to maximise their interactions with the Microsoft 365 suite. By providing easy access to all the tools they need and minimizing distractions, employees can swiftly adopt important software and tools. Additionally, knowledge and document management are streamlined, eliminating knowledge silos and ensuring centralised storage for easy retrieval of files and data.
With the alarming rise of cybercrime, ensuring the security of digital workplaces has become more critical than ever. In 2022, the UK reported the highest proportion of cybercrime victims among every million internet users worldwide. A cloud-based zero-trust network access (ZTNA) approach provides secure access to applications regardless of the device used. It reduces the burden of device management while preventing network-level attacks, meeting the needs of a distributed workforce. Implementing a secure, cost-effective, and reliable remote access solution demonstrates a company's commitment to hybrid working, enhancing its attractiveness to potential employees.
Every workplace requires a hub that brings remote members together, fostering collaboration and information sharing. Adaptive digital workplaces excel in this aspect by breaking down the boundaries between intranets and their users. By integrating shared information within the workplace interface, employees can seamlessly access relevant data and contribute their insights, promoting a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
As Generation Z enters the workforce, the demand for hybrid working is expected to increase by 30% by 2030. It comes as no surprise that modernising infrastructure is a top priority for over two-thirds of organisations. The professional landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with more than half of organisations employing borderless technology talent figure that has doubled in the past three years.
Embracing adaptive technology remains crucial in delivering the benefits of hybrid working, as it supports and optimises hybrid teams, leading to improved performance, increased efficiency, and overall employee satisfaction.
In conclusion, the adaptive digital workplace offers a comprehensive solution to meet the needs of hybrid workers. By implementing such a platform, organisations can effectively navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by hybrid working, driving success and fostering a thriving work environment.