Digital transformation began long before 2020, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the rapid adoption of remote working practices accelerated this transformation from years to just weeks. With remote work here to stay, a new workplace is emerging - one that fuses on-site, co-located working, work-from-anywhere digital nomads and the employees who do both. It's called a hybrid workplace.
As economies reopen and the global workforce moves back into the office, it's become clear that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to the hybrid working model. However, the right hybrid workplace technology can be the difference between a set-up that is effective, efficient, collaborative, productive and scalable, and one that isn't.
A hybrid workforce can't tap into the unique benefits of mixing remote and co-located work if they aren't equipped for the job. Let's explore some of the technology that will help your business achieve a successful hybrid working model.
1. Automation drives value
Business automation allows employees to focus on higher-value duties while the repetitive administrative and processing tasks are automated, reducing the usual time and cost. Robotic process automation and intelligent capture enables this and can be applied to collect and analyse data, interface between systems, and complete routine and repetitive tasks. Now that the monotonous and dull tasks are taken care of, employees are freed up to engage in more strategic and creative jobs.
2. Content at your fingertips with a document management system
Hybrid workplaces have employees working in multiple locations, whether that's in the office, at home or anywhere in between. Certainly, there is a need for some sort of document management system to manage the stream of information between all these distributed employees. An Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system is an essential hybrid workplace technology as it allows a business to manage all data and content in a single spot and additionally streamline processes by automating everyday tasks like classification and approval processes. ECM systems play an important role in helping businesses deal with the complexity of data and assets that need to be managed, while making information readily available to decentralised teams and employees.
3. Mobile printing simplifies
In the hybrid workplace, one of the most significant benefits of mobile use is how it enhances employee freedom and flexibility. With mobile devices, staff can work anywhere, anytime - enabling them to decide how, when and where they do their best work and deliver optimised results. Add to this the ability to quickly print something straight from their mobile device, and you have a win-win situation.
4. Cloud print management gives oversight
Cloud print management is an essential hybrid workplace technology for the new era of work. The ability to easily and quickly print without the need for cables, hardware and drivers is key to a successful hybrid office set-up. What smart business wouldn't want fast and secure cloud-based printing for users with less strain on IT resources?
Additionally, adding cloud print management enables organisations to monitor print usage and analyse data for solid decision making - from anywhere and at any time. At Kyocera we offer multiple solutions that will fit your hybrid office’s unique requirements, so be sure to get in touch with any questions, or to discuss the best solution for your organisation.
The COVID-19 crisis has rapidly accelerated digital transformation, and the hybrid workplace is now a reality for many companies. Building a resilient and productive hybrid work environment requires the right 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.
