Essential Office Technology for Agile Workers and Hybrid Teams

Hybrid work may seem a complex change for some. But when properly implemented, this combination of remote and in-office working can provide numerous benefits for both employees and employers. However, it requires the best tools to make it work and sustain for the long term.

Many organizations are now exploring if this new work setup is suitable for their workplace. They plan their strategies, redesign their offices, prepare new methods in employee scheduling, and train leaders for managing distributed teams. But one vital factor is missing – acquiring technology that will power the future of work, whether hardware and software. This article will tackle the best and essential tools every hybrid company needs to make this shift effective. Read on to see the necessary technology for your teams.

A Modern Way of Working

The year 2020 has introduced a significant change in how organizations accomplish tasks and perform responsibilities. After a year and a half, companies want to reopen their workplaces but face unprecedented challenges – divided workers' preferences. Some employees who don't feel productive at home are eagerly wanting to return to their desks. While team members that enjoyed remote working wish to continue their current setup.

For many business leaders, a hybrid work model can be the key. Now, this newest working method grants workers the flexibility and the opportunity to work in the office for some. It is undoubtedly a massive hit for many companies, even the biggest ones. With that in mind, questions are emerging – what are the appropriate and the best tools for hybrid teams?

So, we created this list to help leaders and employers who plan to implement or those who are newly using this modern working environment.

Essential Tools for Remote Workers and Hybrid Teams

For Communication

Keeping connected has never been this important for organizations. Since they are apart, they need a reliable platform to communicate to their distributed teams and workers worldwide. They need an app to support this need, whether it's an impromptu conversation between team members or discussions for projects. Many of these applications also allow you to share files and documents for easy collaboration.

For Collaboration

Working on an important project may seem challenging when not discussed face-to-face. But with excellent collaboration software, you can accomplish any hybrid projects you are planning. Many collaboration applications help you track your shared projects' progress, regardless of your location. When choosing collaboration platforms, ensure it has cloud-based storage, file-sharing, document synchronization, messaging, etc.

For Document Organization

Excel and paper-based files are a no-no for this kind of working arrangement. Companies need to acquire applications to share and store digital files so remote workers can still access the information they need. Usually, it is a file-sharing platform that makes it easy to transfer and distribute files among teams. Instead of sending through emails where flooding of messaging can happen, they can instantly send a document with this application. Moreover, a leader can use these hybrid solutions to restrict access to specific records for editing, to n view, and delete.

For Onboarding New Team Members

When hiring new employees, it is essential to think that they may also prefer to work remotely. You need a tool to support your new way of onboarding new team members with that in mind. This platform should allow you to share confidential information like training materials policies and information about your company. When choosing one, ensure that it offers security, flexibility and can help you introduce new hires to their teams. Most importantly, this tool should help new staff to adapt to company culture.

For Security

Working with distributed teams using the internet can risk your company's hybrid information and data. So, to prevent hackers from accessing these confidential records, many organizations use VPNs. However, many experts said that this tool couldn't be 100% reliable when it comes to your data's security. As a result, many companies use zero-trust network access as an alternative. This app allows them to share data with their in-office staff and remote employees.

For Virtual Meetings

Meetings are here to stay and inevitable to any organization. Some are semi-formal, others are formal. Today, many organizations use video conferencing software to meet with clients, investors, shareholders, employees, and many more. It is also a collaboration platform that helps people to connect and offers flexibility. When you want to talk to your remote worker at any time, this software can provide you a great way to communicate with them.

For Workplace Management

The physical office will still be an important place even if the combination of remote and in-office working is in place. Working from home, employees will have to visit the workplace to attend meetings, collaborate on meaningful projects, to name a few. With that purpose, organizations need hybrid software to help them manage their workspaces. When great software is in place, it will help you with:

• Desk reservations

• Meeting room bookings

• Reduce meeting room capacity

• Implement strict cleaning policies

Organizations need to adapt to the demands of the contemporary business or else get left behind. Integrating these software technological innovations can significantly improve their business, reaching broader potential customers and serving more people. Thus, deploying these advancements can also contribute to attaining business goals as well as enjoying long-term profits.