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Redefine legacy offices to hybrid workplace model for active collaboration

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DQINDIA Online
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Digital usage has skyrocketed at organizational and industrial levels, users are moving towards online channels at a faster pace. According to a McKinsey global survey of executives, corporate digital adoption has moved forward by three to four years as a response to Covid-19.

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Many businesses adopted digital transformation quickly and embraced the work-from-home culture. But some organizations didn’t have this flexibility, employees’ physical presence was essential. In such cases, some employees could work from home, and the ones needed on-site can be physically present.

This is a hybrid workspace model in which some employees are on-premises and others can work from home, but they can collaborate through tools like Zoom. A Hybrid model is here to stay, businesses must adapt and cope with the transformation while preserving productivity and raising engagement levels.

Prerequisites for converting your conventional office into a hybrid workplace.

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Redesign the office space

We need to redesign our office space, particularly the areas where teams collaborate considering those working remotely and in office. As more individuals find their stride performing individual work from home, the office may become largely a platform for interaction and cooperation for others. A range of meeting places that can accommodate varied numbers of people and allow those people to spread out across the area may be design considerations.

Provide video conferencing support to all meeting spaces

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All meeting spaces large or small should be equipped with video conferencing equipment to provide a smooth connection to remote participants. WFH has enabled us to join meetings with one click, similar features can be extended to offices using a suitable video conferencing platform. This can be made possible using Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) solutions by enabling users to connect remote participants through Zoom.

BYOD systems are more flexible and cost-effective to install as they replace legacy hardware with systems that can be run from users’ laptops, allowing enterprises to transform any location into a conference-ready venue.

Invest in tools for workplace productivity

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Incorporating hybrid workplaces needs proper tools available in the market, this approach enables use of office space for a small amount of time as the majority of work is done remotely. Investing in instruments such as audio systems which include mic and speaker and video devices like camera and video bars ensure smooth functioning of everyday activities.

Why go for a hybrid workplace model?

Rising remote workforce needs a model that differs from traditional systems for easy collaboration of remote and on-premise employees. Here are some of the top benefits of a hybrid workplace:

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Productivity enhancement

Hybrid workplace makes employees more responsible and accountable. Employees feel independent and competent in executing their responsibilities with less room for micro-management. Real-time collaboration allows teams to work closely from home and office thus significantly increasing their productivity and commitment.

Distributed teams can work closely

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Hybrid workplace allows remote staff to continue to operate seamlessly. It enables them to work with teams to improve their efficiency while maintaining intact job quality. In addition, flexibility is a practical way to enhance overall performance with the combined remote and on-site work.

Cost-effective operations

Businesses can now opt for remote working instead of letting employees commute to the office for daily operations. This helps companies to save operational costs needed for physical office infrastructure. In a hybrid workplace, employees need to visit the office occasionally so they can save additional travel expenditures and save substantial money.

Organizations around the world are shifting to hybrid work culture allowing employees greater flexibility in time and location which in turn increases office productivity and reduces real estate costs creating win-win conditions for both. It's about time that we establish an atmosphere in which employee health is given high importance and we allow them to be fluid in their working style. Businesses today are adapting to changing work cultures to achieve higher sustainability.

The author is Sushil Goyal, Co-founder & MD at Rahi Systems

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