Hybrid working is the standard workplace practice now, and it's not hard to understand why. With advancements in technology and the need for better work-life balance, businesses have realized hybrid working is a fantastic way to benefit their employees, while still being productive.
In 2023, it’s clear hybrid work will be even more widely adopted, as organizations continue to realize the benefits of having employees work both in an office setting and remotely. With the right policies and practices in place, hybrid work can be a great way to create a successful and sustainable workplace.
So, with that in mind, here are our top four predictions for what’s in store for hybrid work in 2023.
Trend 1: Hybrid work is the norm
As the unified communications and collaboration market made massive strides in recent years and the needs of employees have evolved, a demand for new ways to structure and manage work hours has been created.
In 2023, we expect the traditional 9-5 workplace to become outdated, with employers instead opting to implement strategies allowing their staff to be both more productive and to enjoy a better work-life balance, leverage policies such as flexi-time and remote work. Flexi-time and remote working options allow employees to work when and where it suits them best, while still having the safety and security of a steady job.
This way of working can help improve employee morale and productivity, as well as help businesses save on costs such as office space and commuting expenses. In the long-term, hybrid working is the way of the future.
Trend 2: Providing the right space for the future of work is critical
While remote work is popular, the office hasn’t lost its importance. Recent research found that in 2022, 75% of employees wanted to be back in the office in some capacity, either full-time or when the need arose. This means creating the perfect workspace for the future of work is essential for success. It should be designed for maximum productivity with an eye for ergonomics, comfort, and efficiency.
The office also needs to be flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of the workplace, incorporating the latest technology to facilitate effective collaboration and communication.
Ultimately, the goal is to make working from any location, whether it be the office or at home, more efficient and enjoyable, limiting downtime and boosting productivity.
Trend 3: BYOD policies will remain popular
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend is not new but was reinvigorated when the pandemic hit. A study by Bitglass revealed that at least 82% of organizations have actively enabled BYOD to some extent. BYOD enables employees to use their own devices and can lead to more personal satisfaction and productivity, due to greater flexibility and mobility.
Other benefits include:
- decreased spending on hardware and software licensing
- more devices for users to choose from, creating added efficiency
- greater trust in leadership
However, BYOD presents certain security challenges, such as the need to ensure employee and device identity and access management are secure.
To ensure these challenges are addressed, it’s important for businesses to consider implementing solutions such as identity and access management systems to protect their resources and data.
Trend 4: A deeper focus on company culture
Creating a culture of trust and respect is essential for any organization. This means fostering an atmosphere of open communication, providing clear goals and expectations, and recognizing and rewarding achievement.
By creating a supportive environment, employees will feel secure, empowered, and motivated to do their best work. This is even more important when employees are dispersed when working remote.
In 2023, organizations should focus on creating a positive, productive culture that promotes employee engagement and satisfaction. This includes providing regular feedback and recognition, ensuring that remote workers feel just as valued as those in the office, and providing access to the same resources and opportunities.
Ultimately, fostering a positive company culture is essential to the success of any organization. It can help foster a sense of community, boost productivity, and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal.
Making the most of a hybrid workplace
Companies should ensure their policies and practices support the hybrid workplace. This means implementing clear guidelines for remote work and providing the necessary tools and resources for employees to be successful. It also means setting expectations around communication and collaboration, so that everyone is on the same page.
By taking the time to create a supportive and inclusive hybrid workplace, companies can maximize the benefits of this new model and create an environment that is both successful and sustainable.
