WHAT'S NEXT FOR LIFE AT THE OFFICE?

Hot-desking within offices. A growing trend for flexible short-lease office space. Open plan workspaces. The idea of everyone having a fixed desk in the office was already on the decline. Then Coronavirus hit. Lockdown drove businesses to ask their entire teams to set up a home office. Many are still there, in their back rooms, and on their kitchen tables. They are now well equipped with computer hardware and working effectively. It's no wonder some people are starting to ask whether we need the office at all. 

From a recent study by IBM, it's clear things are unlikely to go back to how they were. Over 75% of respondents said they would like to continue to work from home, at least occasionally. While 54% wanted their primary way of working to be from home. For IT managers supporting these business changes will mean focusing on three areas. Flexibility, connectivity, and transformation.

Flexibility

The speed the UK went into lockdown caused some issues with hardware availability. Businesses needed to equip their teams for remote working almost overnight. But lockdown has proven it's possible for many people to be productive working from home. As a consequence, it is likely more employees will request flexible working, raising questions about the appropriate size and location of offices in the future.

There are cost benefits to be had with less employees requiring an office workspace. But, facilitating working from the office, and from a home office, has implications for IT infrastructure and budgets. Are companies obliged to fully equip a home office, and ensure they are occupational health compliant? Complete with laptops, monitors, peripherals and phones? And all this while maintaining a functioning office infrastructure as well? These are questions businesses need to answer in line with changes in work location policies. Flexibility will be the key to making this work for businesses and employees.

Connectivity

Connectivity covers both accessibility and efficiency. The ability to connect seamlessly with key business systems is critical, regardless of whether employees are in the office or working from home. This includes being able to collaborate and join virtual meetings, without the technology or broadband speeds getting in the way.

Ensuring remote working productivity is not affected by connectivity issues will give managers confidence that teams can work effectively from home. Issues surrounding data and hardware security, computer hardware connectivity, broadband speeds and helpdesk support, all need to be considered as part of any significant shift to home working.

Transformation

In recent years many firms have begun the task of reimagining their businesses operations to take advantage of technological advancements. Digital transformation projects have tried to unlock the commercial opportunity of big data, blockchain, cloud services and AI.

Considering the significant changes in the way teams will work in the future, now is the time to take a step back. Reviewing the implications and identifying ways to ensure business structures continue to be fit for purpose over the long term.

We don't know for certain what the 'new normal' will look like. By considering these factors, IT managers can better prepare their businesses for the future, whatever it brings.

How can we help your business? 

Technical Reality is a leading supplier of IT lifecycle solutions. We offer new and refurbished IT equipment. In addition, we provide Tech-as-a-Service contracts; extended warranty cover, and fully compliant IT equipment recycling. So, whatever the future holds, we can support you in the new reality.

We have over 50,000 tech hardware products, available online and in stock for next day delivery. If you would like to talk to us about our great offers and volume deals, get in touch by email or call us on 0800 689 0664.

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