Cornerstone Business Solutions MD Chris Petty , pictured , on the issues you need to consider to ensure you come up with a working pattern that suits both you and your staff ...

wide range of research indicates that after the pandemic the majority of workers want to continue to work from home at least some of the time , presenting opportunities for organisations to establish new ways of working .

A report shows that some 40 per cent of employers said they expect more than half their workforce to work regularly from home after the pandemic has ended .

While some employees want to work from home all the time after the pandemic , most would prefer a balance where they are in the office for some of the week and at home for the remainder . This has led to the use of a relatively new term – “ hybrid working ”. Many organisations are now considering what “ hybrid ” means for them , how they might meet this new employee demand and what will need to be in place for these new ways of working to be effective .

Technology plays a critical role in hybrid working . Employees need to be able to work seamlessly between workplace and home , and there needs to be ease of connectivity between people in the office and those working remotely .

As a result of the pandemic , many employees have had to get up to speed with new technologies such as online meetings and communication tools . Although many organisations had to build employees ’ digital capabilities to support working from home rapidly , not everyone is fully competent with all the technologies that will enable hybrid working and further training may be necessary .

Organisations may wish to consider the following :

> Supporting employees in fully using available technology , as well as using it in a way that supports health and wellbeing .

> Reviewing systems and equipment available in offices and provided by individuals to assess whether it will appropriately support hybrid forms of working .

> Providing a mix of recommended tools ( with implementation support ) to enable hybrid meetings and collaboration .

> Putting in place appropriate security measures to ensure system and data integrity .

In addition to technology , think about what other equipment will support effective and healthy remote working , including the provision of office furniture or mobile devices .

We are supporting the new hybrid working for our own business . It ’ s been working well for us – but we naturally already have the skillset to work with the technology .

We can also support your business . Whether by assisting with training or systems , we can advise on what ’ s right for you .

CORNERSTONE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LTD MAP HOUSE , 3 GEORGE STEPHENSON COURT , OFF WESTLAND WAY , PRESTON FARM , STOCKTON-ON-TEES , TS18 3TG

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