Which Workplace Technologies Are Relevant Post-Covid?
As more and more organisations across the globe move towards a hybrid working model, our article explores how the technologies invested in to support remote working are still relevant in this new working experience.
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The shift in working patterns over the last 3 years has been one of the most significant in recent times. While it appears we are adjusting back to office-based work, at least some of the time, it is important to consider what best suits your employees and business model. According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index Report, 73% of employees want flexible remote working options to continue while 67% are craving more in-person time. It appears employees want the best of both worlds, a hybrid working model. While many organisations have already proceeded with this model, are they successfully bridging the gap between remote and office-based employees?
With employees returning to the office, it is important to make sure remote employees still feel connected and involved in working teams meaning that collaboration and connectivity software is just as important as at the beginning of the pandemic and the shift to working from home. Technologies such as Microsoft Teams, and the rest of the Microsoft 365 suite, critical in remote working models can still help ensure success in a hybrid working landscape.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a very helpful tool to ensure employees stay connected regardless of location. Teams can help create more inclusive hybrid meetings by firstly being the main way everyone can connect to the meeting. Teams also has some interesting features such as dynamic view, together mode, transcription and recording. These can help make the meeting presentation easier to follow and ensure all participants can feel included and keep up. Microsoft has announced a roadmap for Microsoft Teams Rooms, an immersive meeting experience with new features and companion devices, this can help make the most of the office space available while bridging the divide between office-based and remote employees.
Power Platform
Microsoft’s Power Platform is useful in many different business scenarios. However, Power Apps stands apart, having played a pivotal role for many organisations during the past two years. Many leveraged Power Apps to create their own version of a returning to the office or workspace safety application, to help manage the transition. With many office spaces now operating hot desk policies to maximise office space and eliminate wastage, Power Apps remains relevant, helping facilities teams quickly and easily manage who attends the office. This data can help leaders decide on how much space is needed and also let employees know which days are busier in the office. This is just one small example of how Power Platform can help support hybrid work.
Microsoft Viva
Microsoft Viva rose in popularity last year when business leaders began to shift focus towards employee experience and engagement in a remote working environment. Microsoft Viva has four components Viva Learning, Viva Insights, Viva Topics and Viva Connections. Microsoft Viva Insights in particular is useful in this space helping employees and businesses thrive with recommendations to improve productivity and wellbeing. Helping managers track how employees perform in their hybrid environment and providing insights such as which days are best for in-person collaboration and much more.
These are just three popular technologies that have played a significant role for employees over the past two years and will continue to be important. If you would like to learn more about how Microsoft technology can support your business in this hybrid working environment, get in touch with one of our experts today.
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