Hybrid Workplace Technology is Making Offices Better

woman using hybrid workforce technology

Hybrid workplace technology is now available. It can help increase business productivity and provide a great employee experience.

Today’s workers demand a hybrid office with all its perks. IT support for this new workplace environment is critical. In addition to improving employee satisfaction, hybrid workplace technology can help firms gain or preserve a competitive edge.

The epidemic accelerated advances in remote work. In addition, it gave people the opportunity to demonstrate their productivity. Now that some firms are opting for hybrid models instead of remote work, technology difficulties multiply. As an HR executive or CIO, you must comprehend the tools of the future.

What is a hybrid workplace?

The hybrid workplace concept combines remote and in-person workers allowing employees to split their time between the two. As an HR executive or CIO, you will want to collaborate with other leaders to determine the best strategy for a blended workforce. Here are several hybrid workplace solutions that can help employees stay productive. At the same time, it ensures that the organization’s data is safe while allowing employees to access the info they need.

Applicant Tracking System Technology

When thinking about recruiting, keep two things in mind. The first is the requirement for remote workforce software: Recruiters, interviewers, candidates, managers, and approvers should be able to work remotely. Your talent pool is the second factor. Hiring options are no longer limited to a single location. Your company may wish to revise its recruiting approach to take advantage of this new opportunity.

Co-working apps

Team collaboration tools are a variety of software and online services that allow firms and their employees to collaborate on projects regardless of physical location. Cloud storage, instant chat,  file sharing, document synchronization, and online whiteboards are just a few examples.

Communication Technology

Several programs in the collaboration tool category can facilitate ad hoc employee communication. All employee groups working on a common project can utilize these tools to share information. Tools like Microsoft Teams are well-known.

Document Management Technology

An enterprise will need an application to exchange and store electronic files rather than paper files to enable remote workers. File-sharing solutions help teams swiftly share files with other members. These apps remove the email transfer process, freeing inboxes.

Using a document management system allows you to control who can edit, see, and remove files. To guarantee all employees have equal access to information and those that require a wet signature, such as those for government organizations, may need digitization.

Human Capital Management

Modern businesses need human capital management software. Other technologies such as analytics are also a part of the software. A cloud-based HCM is a significant hybrid workplace technology. Having an HCM system that all employees can access remotely is critical to keeping data accessible by supervisors, employees, and HR.

Toolkits for Office Capacity

Many countries still have social distance limits. It’s only natural that these affect workplaces. Therefore, you must be aware of applicable safety rules, including potential capacity constraints. To keep the company within acceptable parameters, you need a mechanism to count employees coming in or out of the office. For larger workforces, look for capacity management technologies that use occupancy or registration sensors.

Office cleaning robots

Stricter cleaning practices keep workers safe. Therefore, to meet office cleaning demands, your firm may need to use automated alerts, AI, smart technologies, and robots. Apps can alert the office cleaning crew when a meeting ends or an employee leaves a desk. Also, many companies are using robotics or smart technology to help with office cleaning. Furthermore, UV light technology can help disinfect offices.

Hybrid workplace technology to facilitate training

Many surveys show that today’s workers want to leave their existing jobs. However, some firms are eager to hire but are unable to do so. Today’s organizations, especially hybrid workplaces, must support compliance, experience, and skill development through learning applications.

Learning experience platforms and learning management systems can provide excellent training. You could also look into other learning technologies for the hybrid workplace.

Mobile app technology

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, mobile usage was skyrocketing. The pandemic forced workers to disconnect, utilize technology, and adapt to a new normal. Whether employees work in an office or remotely on a given day, they require certain capabilities to do their tasks. These include connectivity, organization information search, and approvals. These mobile apps can ensure productivity.

Booking system technology

Suppose your company plans to offer hoteling. This is where employees reserve a desk for the time they work. If that’s the case you’ll need a mechanism for them to do so. You might be able to use the same app for meeting room booking. Therefore, if your company offers multiple hotel options, you may wish to locate more intuitive reservation tools.

Hybrid workplace technology for better security.

Flexible work situations necessitate advanced security. Since VPN authentication often grants open access to the corporate network, several security experts fear this leaves firms exposed to malicious actors. As a result, numerous organizations are investigating zero-trust network access.

Hybrid workplace technology for conferencing.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing usage grew tremendously. These collaborative tools are unique in their flexibility. To that end, video conferencing will help team members connect. This is crucial for hybrid meetings.

Vendors are developing features for hybrid workspaces. Experts say that individual framing will be critical in hybrid settings. This feature allows workers to read conference room attendees’ facial expressions and body language.

Image credit: Michelangelo Buonarroti; Pexels