Previously, we had little choice in the way we worked, where we worked and the tools we worked with. All that has changed. Working life in a hybrid world is one of choice for users. For businesses that means adapting to the very varied preferences of a flexible workforce, in and out of the office. It also means not treating technology as a designer suit, only there for show, and using it to really improve security, collaboration and productivity.
Previously, we had little choice in the way we worked, where we worked and the tools we worked with. All that has changed. Working life in a hybrid world is one of choice for users. For businesses that means adapting to the very varied preferences of a flexible workforce, in and out of the office. It also means not treating technology as a designer suit, only there for show, and using it to really improve security, collaboration and productivity.
Look around. Where are you working? Not so long ago it would have been a silly question. Prior to COVID, 90% of the global workforce operated onsite1. That’s no longer true.
The old certainties have gone. Work anywhere, and particularly work from home, has become a big part of the workday mix. And brought with it new expectations.
As many create a workspace in their homes, it is important that it reflects their personality and purpose. Posts on professional networking sites like LinkedIn are as likely to feature employees showing pictures of their cool home office and the benefits they’re getting from more flexible working than the latest thoughts on digital transformation.
Part of that pride is having the technology that allows them to work as well outside of the office as in. They see their work anywhere space as an addition not a replacement for the office. Some 83% of people say hybrid working is best for them1. They want the flexibility and freedom to work anywhere, while still having regular opportunities to step outside the virtual office and meet colleagues face-to-face.
Central to maintaining a hybrid workplace is having technology that allows a seamless hand-off between working in the office and elsewhere. It’s essential to keep today’s flexible workforce working as effectively and productively as they can.
Avoid the designer business suit trap
And that means everyone. There has been a tendency, according to a study by Harvard Business Review2 of top execs in Nordic countries, to treat the best technology rather like designer business suits. It’s only used for show. In particular, they found that during the pandemic, the highest-qualtiy video cameras, biggest screens and fastest web connections were only given to those who it was felt needed to make a good virtual impression, such as customer-facing teams. Others, who also needed high-spec technology, missed out.
Leaders need to make sure that the right people get the right technology to allow them to do their jobs the best they can.
It is more cost-effective in the long run. With security a major concern in a hybrid world, the latest devices have everything built-in; from biometric log-ins to identity protection with IR cameras for secure authentication. In addition, wherever your team operate you can secure their devices with next-generation endpoint solutions that isolate malicious content.
Smart collaboration, smarter team working
Teams can work more productively with collaboration devices like ThinkSmart, which streamlines in person or virtual meetings.
Easier collaboration is a feature too on the new breed of monitors, like ThinkVision, with their high-quality webcams, noise-cancelling microphones and protection for employees by reducing eye-strain.
The latest generation of ThinkBook devices power productivity, wherever you are, to help teams get time on their side. The latest processors, the fastest connectivity, and stunning displays all work together to enable the new hybrid way of working.
The latest PCs and laptops also offer the sort of business performance you need — and your users want — to keep them productive and engaged as they work-anywhere.
Find out more about the technologies that can meet the demands of a flexible workforce in today’s hybrid world.
The future of work as we know it has never been more exciting. To find out more about the bigger picture Lenovo has in store, click the link below.
1 The Future of Work and Digital Transformation, Lenovo 2021. The Future of Work: Productive Anywhere, Accenture 2021.
2 4 Imperatives for Managing in a Hybrid World, Harvard Business Review, June 2021.
