Research Finds ‘Large Gap’ in Adoption of Hybrid Work Technologies

New research conducted by the real estate professional services firm JLL Technologies found “a large gap” in the adoption of technologies critical for the smooth running of the hybrid work model. 

JLL Technology’s report, Technology and Innovation in the Hybrid Age, observed that tech-enabled solutions are critical to the survival of hybrid work. “With 55% of office-based employees now in a hybrid work pattern, companies must increase the rate of technology adoption to meet workforce preferences and business goals,” the firm said.

In its Future of Work Survey, the firm identified 15 anchor technologies needed for hybrid work. These include remote-working technology, in-office collaboration tools, workplace experience apps, CRE data warehouse and co-working and flex-space management technology.

There are also technologies available for touchless access, digital connectivity and infrastructure, sustainability and environment control, predictive facility management and portfolio data analysis. 

Adoption

While JLL found that companies want to adopt these technologies, its report said that a “large gap” exists between their current and future plan implementations. At the same time, the report found that remote-working technology is already in use by almost half (47%) of the surveyed companies. 

Two other top technologies already in use for hybrid work purposes include in-office collaboration technology (40%) and workplace experience apps (36%), JLL said.

Over the next three years, companies intend to adopt technologies such as sustainability and environment controls (60%), digital infrastructure and connectivity (58%) and occupancy and environment sensors (56%).

No One-Size-Fits-All

The study also found there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to hybrid-work technology. Because of that, companies will have to adopt tools and processes customized for their type of employees, clients and business models. 

JLL Technologies President Sharad Rastogi believes the ability to select the right technologies is critical to hybrid work’s success. “Hybrid work looks different for every business given the uniqueness of their employee base and business model, and where they are with regard to return to work,” Rastogi said.

Companies’ attitude toward technology adoption is changing from reactive to forward-looking implementation, JLL said. While on average, the surveyed firms have only adopted four out of 15 anchor technologies, “many have significant ambitions.” 

“By 2025, 78% plan to incorporate the majority of these technologies into their portfolios, and in 2022 alone, most companies aim to adopt up to six new technology solutions,” the report found.

Because a great variety of technology solutions is available, JLL said developing a strategic approach to hybrid work is critical. “Leading edge and innovative companies are establishing strategic approaches for hybrid work to select the right technologies, develop the right capabilities and execute on well-defined implementation roadmaps,” Rastogi said.

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