Technology is vital to hybrid working

With recent data from the Leesman index revealing that 85% of employees work from home at least some of the time, flexible, hybrid working is clearly here to stay. But despite its popularity, businesses don’t always get hybrid working right. A recent global study by engagement platform TINYpulse discovered that more than 80% of workplace leaders believed their employees found hybrid work exhausting.

Desk-booking software can help eliminate stress by ensuring staff have access to workstations. Occupancy monitoring and communication technology can also give transparency on who is in the office, so workers can make the most of their time. Deploying technology is, therefore, essential to facilitate a seamless, hybrid working environment that suits the needs of employees.

The workplace also needs technology to remain healthy. The pandemic has increased concerns about health and sanitation in the workplace. Smart cleaning software and HVAC technology can help prevent the transmission of illnesses at work. Air- and water-quality software can also monitor the cleanliness of a building in real time to identify risks as they arise. This is vital for a healthy, productive workforce.

Technology’s third key role in the future of the workplace is in responding to heightened tenant expectations. Employees increasingly expect a hospitality-like environment when coming into the office. Technology can help facilitate this by providing access to services, events, support, feedback and communication with colleagues.

Tech is crucial to the modern workplace, and will only become more so as employee needs rise and the demands of the workplace grow. Those who ignore the value of workplace technology risk becoming outdated and facing difficulties in recruiting and maintaining top talent.

Simon Hilton, head of new business, Spica Technologies