There has been a significant shift toward remote and hybrid work setups due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People worldwide have experienced the advantages of working remotely, such as improved work-life balance and increased productivity. Businesses in 2024 must adapt to the changing needs and expectations of employees, as it’s clear that remote and hybrid work are enduring trends.
Okta and Statista conducted a study to determine employees’ preferences for flexible work arrangements. This move towards more adaptable working conditions reflects a broader workforce trend. Employees value the freedom to work when and where it suits them, as it helps them achieve a better work-life balance without sacrificing productivity.
Yet, there is a substantial gap between workers’ desires and their actual working conditions. Only 43 percent of workers have the option to work remotely. This 28-point “preference gap” highlights the difficulty in aligning worker and company perspectives on remote and hybrid work. Companies that do not embrace and facilitate flexibility risk losing the benefits of a content and productive workforce.
Hybrid work arrangements bring numerous advantages for both employers and employees. They enable workers to save time and money on commuting, reduce the impact on their health, and offer more flexibility in managing their personal and professional lives. Ivanti’s research shows that 71% of business leaders believe allowing remote work positively impacts morale.
However, transitioning to hybrid work presents challenges, particularly among younger and knowledge workers. According to Ivanti’s analysis, over a quarter of office workers under 40 are contemplating leaving their jobs in the next six months, with one-third of those having already made a “quiet quit.” Workload-related burnout and subsequent declines in mental health are often cited as primary reasons for this outlook.
Organizations need to invest in key areas to support their employees and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment to address these challenges and fully harness the potential of hybrid work.
Efficient hybrid work relies on companies investing in tools that facilitate effective communication and coordination among employees. It’s crucial to move beyond traditional communication methods and consider process-oriented solutions that enable workers to be effective from any location. Distributed teams can benefit from a streamlined service management solution implemented across the organization.
The rise of remote and hybrid work has brought about new security risks. The Ivanti report emphasizes the importance of a risk-based remediation plan to mitigate the negative impact of remote work. Businesses should implement company-wide security measures to safeguard confidential information and ensure legal compliance. By challenging the existing security framework and taking a proactive approach, companies can protect their assets while allowing employees to work securely from anywhere.
Businesses must prioritize the health and happiness of their employees to mitigate IT burnout as they navigate the challenges of hybrid work. Streamlining processes and reducing the number of tools required can help IT departments operate more smoothly and sustainably. Recognizing the importance of simplifying complexity and providing necessary support is vital for business leaders to prevent burnout and cultivate a positive work environment.
Organizations can bridge the trust gap between employees and management by actively seeking employee input and implementing new technology to empower employees. Dynamic collaboration technologies, automated workflows, and AI-powered bots can enhance productivity and efficiency in remote and hybrid workplaces. By leveraging these resources and encouraging employee feedback, businesses can cultivate a more welcoming, engaged, and productive workplace for everyone.
As we embrace a future of hybrid work, companies must adapt to these changes to build a strong and resilient workforce. Prioritizing employee wellness, investing in technology, and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness are essential for realizing the full potential of remote and hybrid work models.
First reported on: CloudTech
