3 Tech Trends Empowering Hybrid Workplaces
Hybrid workplaces have become increasingly common in Australia, as the pandemic has demonstrated that a hybrid model in which employees split their time between working from home and working at the office is not only possible, but also offers a variety of benefits.
These benefits include increased productivity, improved employee happiness, and allowing businesses to reduce operational costs or downsize their office space.
Powering this transformation are cutting-edge technologies which are being integrated into workplaces around Australia. These technologies have been empowered by faster and more reliable networks such as 5G or the NBN, making it easier for employees to work from home and for offices to employ a variety of cloud-based technologies to help manage remote workforces.
Here, our property experts outline 3 of the key tech trends that are powering hybrid workplaces.
1. Reliable Communication Platforms
Gone are the days of Skype troubles, with communication platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams proving themselves to be reliable, powerful tools for facilitating a businesses’ internal and external communication. These tools allow for voice and video conferencing, as well as providing screen-sharing capabilities which make it straightforward for employees to make presentations from home.
The widespread adoption of these platforms since the onset of COVID-19 has enabled seamless collaboration across teams who may be working remotely from across the globe, and allows team leaders to easily hold meetings, briefings and strategy sessions from the comfort of their home.
Other commonly-used tools include applications like Slack which allow for straightforward project management and quick internal communications.
2. Cloud-based Technology
With fast, reliable internet connections becoming commonplace at home and in the workplace, cloud-based systems have become essential. These systems allow you to log into a computer anywhere in the world and immediately access all of your files, apps and data in one place.
Cloud storage solutions like Microsoft’s OneDrive allow you to easily share files across your team, while assigning different employees appropriate access levels. These systems make it straightforward for managers to organise and share data or files, creating internal databases which can instantly be adjusted, reorganised or shared via email.
Office 365 and Google Docs even allow you to edit documents live with your team, so everyone can collaborate on a document in real-time whether they are working from home or the office.
Cloud-based systems have taken the viability of hybrid workplaces to the next level, by ensuring that files, passwords, internet bookmarks, emails and more can be easily accessed remotely.
3. Advanced Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is becoming a priority for businesses, as a way to ensure that files, data and systems remain secure at all times. This is increasingly important as businesses gravitate towards using cloud-based technology as systems to efficiently manage a hybrid workplace.
One important security tool is a password manager. A secure, cloud-based password manager uses two-factor authentication to keep all of your passwords safe and remove the need for having sticky-notes with login details hidden around the office. These tools often also include a password generator, which can be used to create passwords which will be difficult for potential hackers to guess.
Employees working from home should also ensure that they have appropriate anti-virus software installed, to minimise the risk of falling victim to malware which may jeopardise the security of their files.
Looking For A Hybrid Workplace For Your Business?
At Parker Property Consulting, we have 30 years of experience in negotiating exceptional outcomes for businesses looking for the perfect workspace.
If you are interested in setting up a hybrid workplace for your team, we can provide a start-to-end service to ensure that the workspace is one which takes full advantage of cutting-edge workplace technologies.
To discuss your requirements, contact us today.
