How to create a hybrid work environment using cloud solutions

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the workspace forever. There won't be a return to 'normal'; rather, the office is evolving to the 'next normal'. While there will be similarities to the office of old, the hybrid work environment will mean some significant strategic workplace modifications, new working practices and a renewed focus on the technology to support these.

Despite 74 per cent of companies planning to shift to more remote work post-COVID permanently, full-time remote work arrangements may not be sustainable for many roles—the reasons for having a physical office go beyond just having a shared place to work. Workplace culture, learning and development and collaboration are all strong motivations for coming together in a co-located space.

But with continued social distancing and fears of virus transmission, it appears that new hybrid working models, where people alternate between working in the office and working remotely, are not only becoming more prevalent but are part of the 'next normal'.

What does the hybrid work environment look like?

The 'next normal' workforce includes a few types of employees:

• Co-located or onsite employees work in the office full-time. 
• Remote employees work outside a traditional office environment, whether at home or from other locations. 
• Hybrid employees are a blend of the two groups, spending a portion of their time in the office and the rest elsewhere. 

With a mix of employees in and out of the office, new ways of communicating and collaborating are critical to building successful relationships and improving productivity and efficiency at work. Technology plays an essential role in the success of the hybrid workforce, enabling interaction between colleagues and teams. 

The hybrid workplace tech stack

Workplaces aren't always equipped to support a hybrid workforce, whether that's a lack of available desks or way-finding to help navigation for those who aren't regularly in the office. But perhaps most importantly, the office needs the right technology to support hybrid workers. 

HR Executive writes that companies are now re-evaluating their technology budgets to support this new hybrid workplace, with increased investment in a hybrid mix of remote and in-office resources. 

Cloud solutions for a hybrid work environment

Cloud and mobile-friendly printing

Traditional printing, with its cables, software drivers and compatibility issues, just isn't made for the hybrid workforce. Instead, cloud printing, which connects smartphones, tablets and laptops with printers wirelessly, is the preferred option.

At Kyocera, we enable and support our customers to move to a cloud printing model every day. Clients are often impressed and surprised by the connectivity benefits they can achieve through seamless and reliable printing across the network, regardless of the user’s hardware or location. Cloud printing provides a convenient, simple solution for everyone, whether they are in the office full-time or visiting for a day. Employees no longer have to deal with clunky software, drivers, or cables, and IT doesn’t have to handle overwhelming support calls. Additionally, it enables users to securely print from mobile devices without concerns about device compatibility or drivers, or the need to send documents to a computer for printing.

Collaboration tools

In a hybrid work environment, employees can no longer rely on proximity to enable collaboration. Instead, cloud-based tools are now used for phone and video calls, meetings, instant messaging, file sharing and much more. Choosing a sophisticated platform such as Microsoft Teams allows organisations to create an integrated cloud collaboration environment, with multiple communication methods via a single interface and integration with other productivity systems, including Office 365, Salesforce, and content service solutions.

Choosing the right collaboration tools for your business based on your unique challenges, needs, users, and work environment will increase productivity, teamwork, and communication, regardless of your employees’ locations. If you’re not sure where to start, engaging an ICT service provider is a good place to start. Huon IT, a Kyocera Group company, has extensive experience supporting businesses to create and implement digital collaboration strategies.

Cloud-based storage

The ability to access, manage and work with data is critical for all employees, no matter where they are located. Implementing cloud document storage allows co-located, remote, and hybrid workers to find and share files quickly, implement reliable version control, and, in general, get their work done with minimal wasted time. 

Cloud storage allows employees to stay productive from wherever they choose to work - the office, at home, a co-working space, on the road, or any other location - while keeping your data secure.

Building a resilient and productive hybrid work environment requires the proper hardware, software and processes. Download our Guide to Hybrid Workplace Strategy for a step-by-step strategy for implementing an effective hybrid work model that equips your employees to work anywhere, any time.