Hybrid work considerations: A cheat sheet for small business
Hybrid work, which blends remote and on-site work, is the way forward. Many companies are adopting a hybrid model that can fundamentally change and improve their business. But is this a good idea, or will it only make things more complicated? Let’s look at some of the pros of hybrid work, while also taking into consideration some of the hidden “gotchas.”
The Pros of hybrid work
57% of small businesses see themselves dividing their time between the home and being on-site
Many executives view a hybrid workplace as “the best of both worlds.” Employees can spend a couple of days a week in the office to improve accountability and company morale, but they can still enjoy the flexibility of remote work throughout the rest of the week. Hybrid work means less travel and expenses, and it often allows employees to be more productive. Implementing a hybrid work model can also increase employee loyalty with 64% of people agreeing that the ability to work remotely instead of coming into an office directly affects whether they stay or leave a job.
Employees should be able to communicate anytime, anywhere
93% of small businesses say video communication will be a key part of the business in the future
One of the biggest difficulties of hybrid work is filling gaps in communication. It is important that all employees feel connected, included, and empowered. Video conferencing, collaboration, and secure calling has become an IT requirement for businesses of all sizes, especially small businesses. The right suite of collaboration tools can simplify and support productive work whether employees are at home or in the office. Your team should be able to work in multiple modes (voice, video, web, messaging) all in one place.
Factor in security everywhere
58% of small businesses see security as one of their biggest challenges for the future
For small businesses, security is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. Employees often need to share sensitive information. Look for collaboration tools that are secure with protected file-sharing and built-in security for mobile meetings. You need strong encryption, compliance visibility, and control to protect the privacy of both the data in use and in transit. Whether employees are at home or in the office collaborating with others, their data must remain secure.
Secure, reliable connectivity is a must
51% increase in online business interaction
In this connected world, your business depends on a secure network more than ever before. You need to stay connected to your suppliers, your employees, and of course—your customers. Design your network with reliability, flexibility, and security in mind. Many networking products will not deliver the reliable communications your small business needs. In addition, some do not offer security or encryption needed for transactions. Or they may not be able to handle changing volumes of traffic. And this is a big one for small businesses, it should be simple to set up. You may not get any product or technical support.
About the Goering Center for Family & Private Business
Established in 1989, the Goering Center serves more than 400 member companies, making it North America’s largest university-based educational non-profit center for family and private businesses. The Center’s mission is to nurture and educate family and private businesses to drive a vibrant economy. Affiliation with the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati provides access to a vast resource of business programming and expertise. Goering Center members receive real-world insights that enlighten, strengthen and prolong family and private business success. For more information on the Center, participation and membership visit goering.uc.edu.
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