Hybrid and remote work has been on the rise since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and companies are finally working out the flaws in their own hybrid work models. However, there’s still a long way to go to make these environments as effective and efficient as possible. From the emergence of new technologies to normalizing the model for experts, here are some predictions from executives and HR leaders about the future of hybrid work in 2023.
Needing New Technology Infrastructure
One prediction for hybrid workers is the possibility of shifting demands around technology infrastructure. As employees increasingly choose to split their time between remote and in-house, the need for a centralized IT department with access to important data across multiple locations will require new systems infrastructure and protocols.
For instance, business owners may decide to invest in advanced cloud servers so they can maintain secure high-speed connections capable of supporting holographic conference calls, even when their teams are dispersed geographically. By investing in these types of features, hybrid companies stand to gain competitive advantages while catering specifically to employee preferences.
Michael Alexis
CEO, tiny campfire
More Employees Working Remotely With Cloud Technology and AI
In 2023, hybrid work will take on many forms. For example, remote telecommuting technologies may become commonplace as employers seek to leverage cloud computing and artificial intelligence to build virtual office spaces. This kind of technology could enable employees to collaborate in real-time across distances while still capturing the same sense of camaraderie and teamwork associated with an in-person workplace environment.
Carly Hill
Operations Manager, VirtualHolidayParty.com
Growing Usage of Communication Tools and Cybersecurity
Managing a team when some members work nearby and some work from afar requires a sound plan. For companies, having a single source of truth is essential. Successful firms invest in a single platform that merges information, productivity and collaboration tools and communication to improve team efficiency and cooperation.
However, cybersecurity remains a primary concern since some team members log in using unsafe networks and their own devices. As a result, they are attempting to improve security by integrating secure logins such as multi-factor authentication. Companies are correctly configuring access restrictions to ensure that individuals only have access to the tools, data, and apps required for job productivity. Additionally, developing rules and regulations for bring-your-own-device reduces the susceptibility of businesses’ systems.
David Reid
Sales Director, VEM Tooling
Becoming the New Norm for SMEs
Hybrid work environments are recently becoming the norm for a lot of small to medium-sized businesses. Many companies are offering flexible work environments because of the many newfound benefits.
The Covid-19 pandemic sped up the growth of this trend. Because of the enforced lockdowns, most industries were forced to adopt a fully virtual environment for their workforce. Now, though, since many studies have found the productivity and morale benefits of a WFH to most employees, companies are adopting hybrid or fully virtual work formats even though it is safe to go back to the traditional in-office work format.
Additionally, more and more companies are discovering the cost-related benefits of having a hybrid workforce. These benefits include decreased costs of renting office spaces and paying for office utilities. Because of these factors, I believe that hybrid work environments will be the new norm in the future.
Paw Vej
Chief Operating Officer, Financer.com
Eliminating Distance Bias
The problem of proximity bias is common for mixed teams. The team working closest to the manager often has an advantage in accessing information and career opportunities in organizations where proximity bias is present.
This can make remote workers feel excluded and disadvantaged. To address this, hybrid organizations are attempting to create collaborative work spaces to ensure equality across the two divisions. To ensure that all conversations between individuals working remotely and those in the office take place collectively, this entails creating conference rooms.
Adopting asynchronous tools and models for work also ensures that everyone is working from the same document regardless of where and when they are working.
Brian Clark
Founder, United Medical Education
Hybrid Work Is No Longer a Perk
Post-peak pandemic, hybrid work is no longer considered a perk. While in 2020, working from home was normalized, as things improved, hybrid work really took off. Many more employees can expect to spend some time in an office, still allowing for in-person collaboration and camaraderie. Working from home is still viable for the rest of the time and allows for more work-life balance, but hybrid is here to stay and is the modern way.
Temoer Terry
Partner, Mommy Care Kit
Hybrid is Here to Stay – Embrace It or Lose Top Talent
Hybrid working is now normal; there is no going back. Many businesses will force the matter, but those that do will risk losing top talent who now expect hybrid and flexible working. We highly recommend thinking about work modes. The key here is that you consult your people on what they think, not just implement it top-down.
What are the types of work that will benefit team members being together in a physical space? Does that need to be in the office? Can it be an online meeting? For some types of work (coding is a good example), maybe remote is better for efficiency, not just for team members to feel more comfortable. Businesses that embrace remote workers and keep their teams connected on and offline will find higher motivation, happiness and performance in their teams.
Charlie Southwell
Marketing Director, Let’s Talk Talent
Emphasizing Flexibility and Autonomy
As more companies continue to adopt hybrid work models, employees are increasingly looking for ways to balance their work and personal lives. This leads to a growing demand for flexible schedules, remote work options and the ability to work from anywhere.
This shift also gives employees more autonomy over their work, allowing them to take ownership of their time and responsibilities and be more productive and engaged. As companies continue to adopt hybrid work models, they are also being forced to re-evaluate their traditional management and supervision strategies.
Employers recognize the need to shift from traditional, top-down management methods to more collaborative, distributed leadership models. This leads to a greater emphasis on trust, accountability and performance-based metrics rather than face-time or presence-based metrics.
Kimberley Tyler-Smith
VP, Strategy & Growth, Resume Worded
Seeing a Reduction in Hybrid Work
I think hybrid work is going to decrease in 2023 because of the complexity it creates in terms of coordination and communication. With hybrid work, employees may need to manage different ways of working in different locations, which can be difficult to manage.
Additionally, it can be hard to keep everyone on the same page when working remotely and in person. This can lead to miscommunication, and things not getting done efficiently. Overall, hybrid work can be beneficial, but it requires more effort and planning than a traditional office setup. So, I think that in 2023, hybrid work will become less popular as the complexities and challenges it brings become more apparent.
Shaun Connell
Founder, Writing Tips Institute
Image: Canva
