Boosting productivity in the age of hybrid work

Nov. 1, 2021 - During the pandemic, we learned that knowledge workers can be highly productive from home. Similarly, we know that the office can provide a productive environment for collaboration, socializing, and creativity. By seamlessly connecting these spaces with video, hybrid can offer the best of both worlds.

Hybrid work and productivity

In our recent Hybrid Ways of Working 2021 Global Report, we asked more than 5,000 knowledge workers globally what they want in their future work arrangement. 8 in 10 said that a hybrid work model will ultimately allow them to be more productive, and that companies that embrace a hybrid workforce will be more competitive. Hybrid work presents major opportunities for organizations to boost productivity and competitiveness, but only if they understand how to navigate the balance between spaces and technology.

Our hybrid workspaces

During hybrid work, the majority of workers will be working from multiple locations on a regular basis, with the home office and traditional office being the two most common spaces. In our report, we uncovered where employees feel they can best execute a range of different tasks. When it comes to individual tasks requiring focus, concentration, and creative thinking, the home office presents a productive workspace. However, with collaborative tasks such as leading meetings or onboarding new team members, the office is the preferred space.

To boost productivity, it makes sense for employees to have access to these different workspaces. However, we must keep in mind that the social fabric and culture within an organization also contributes to employee motivation and engagement. Therefore, connecting employees from wherever they are must be a key area of focus for all organizations. In this context, one of the primary considerations for IT decision makers will be to convert or upgrade existing meeting rooms with professional video to include those who aren’t present in the room.

Video is the great connector

Since employees will be moving between these different spaces at different times, they need the proper tools to remain connected to one another. With the rise of unified communications platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, video has become a central fixture in our everyday work lives. It’s the way we stay connected to one another.

In fact, 86% of virtual meeting participants say that that their engagement is just as high as or higher than during traditional, in-office meetings. They feel they can participate, and they feel an intrinsic motivation to contribute to the success of the team. For teams distributed across different spaces, video is the great connector.

Getting more done with video

Not only is it the great connector, but also the great enabler. In a 2020 study, 79% of workers said they think videoconferencing is at the same level or more productive than in-person meetings. Video enables us to connect with our colleagues from wherever we can work most productively, meaning that we never have to compromise on productivity for the sake of collaboration. By equipping both individuals and spaces with video, hybrid working truly can deliver the best of both worlds and allow us to get more done.