How to Prepare Your IT Ecosystem for a Hybrid Work Mode

During 2020 to 2021 the idea of working from home became reality for millions across the world. With the advent of lockdown restrictions, having employees working from home became the only viable way businesses could survive. Now restrictions have finished many businesses still want to continue a hybrid working policy and IT infrastructure services are gearing towards this.

Hybrid Work System Popularity

According to the media, the hybrid system of work is proving popular with employees. Reports are pointing towards an easier work-life balance together with more flexibility to get tasks done when life allows it.

There has been some pushback against the hybrid system with managers stating that the lack of focus provided by the office environment is impairing productivity. Nonetheless, despite these concerns, the hybrid system of work is here to stay. So, what do you need from your IT infrastructure services provider?

The IT Infrastructure Services Needed for Hybrid Work

To work remotely there are certain aspects that have to be in place. Consider:

Initial IT Infrastructure Assessment – For remote hybrid working to work successfully any IT infrastructure services provider must conduct an initial workplace readiness assessment and then continue to monitor incidents and the overall performance of the system.

Network – Hybrid working brings additional pressure on IT infrastructure services. Rather than being contained across a handful of sites, your system could be dealing with hundreds of different locations. As such, it is important that the network is made robust to the point where it can handle any additional demand placed upon it.

Security – This mission critical aspect becomes more difficult to deliver when you have staff working from home. A good provider, however, will be able to devise ways to prevent penetration of the network from nefarious types. Ensure that your provider carries out a thorough vulnerability assessment and has a plan to prevent illegal access to your IT systems.

Cloud Services – The cloud is essential to a good hybrid system and like the rest of your IT infrastructure it needs to be protected. This includes:

• Safety of confidential corporate data.
• Malware.
• Robust identity and access management services.

Collaboration – All good hybrid systems facilitate best in class collaboration utilising secure apps such as Azure, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft 365. There are several advantages to using these applications such as:

• Virtual desktops that can be accessed on any device in any location by authorised personnel.
• Best in class office software including Word and Excel.
• File sharing and control.
• Assigning and management of team tasks.
• Real-time collaboration.
• Messages and voice calls.
• Online conferences, meetings, and training programmes.

Benefits of a Hybrid Remote Working System

Although there has been no real long term study into the benefits of a hybrid system it is clear that one of the main benefits is business continuity. To be able to utilise your teams to produce is essential to any business no matter what the outside world is throwing at it.

The only way to do this is to opt for the hybrid system. This way, your business can still trade and survive whether your staff are in the office or at home.

Ensure you explore hybrid systems at your earliest opportunity.