Will the Hybrid or Agile Workplace Rule in 2022?
(Editor's note: This is a guest post from Mike Smith, Director of Large Enterprise and Public Sector at Virgin Media 02 Business.)
In 2022, organizations may move back to 100% in office, willingly (or unwillingly) to full remote work, or hybrid work may rule the day. The only thing organizations can really depend on when it comes to the workplace in 2022 is agility.
To establish long-term success and resilience, organizations need to empower their people with everything they need to perform at their very best no matter where they are. In addition to the right policies and clear expectations, the best, most agile technology is key, from cloud-based connectivity to integrated cloud collaboration tools. The ability to easily switch between devices, including worktops, laptops, and mobile phones, will empower employees to be productive as they work from anywhere.
69% of decision-makers say changes in working policies will be made permanent in their organization, including a 50% increase in hybrid working. - Cebr/Virgin Media 02 Business Three Years of Progress Report
Deliver agility for your customers
Investment in digital tools over the last few years has transformed how organizations operate. Video conferencing and collaboration, zero-trust cybersecurity and remote network access, robust connectivity, and increased use of cloud services have all delivered increased efficiencies and productivity.
When teams are able to collaborate more easily and work more effectively, as well as engage more quickly and in new ways with customers, that brings a positive impact on customer experience and satisfaction.
37% of healthcare organizations have changed how they deliver digital services, with a 7% increase in patient satisfaction levels as a result. - Cebr/Virgin Media 02 Business Three Years of Progress Report
Develop agility for your business
The digital delivery of services and increased technology investments will lead to bigger and better data. If organizations take advantage of machine learning and improve their use of data insights, they could realize permanent improvements to employee productivity, customer service scores, and employee satisfaction rates, based on the increases recorded by Cebr over the last 18 months. They’ll be better able to respond and adapt in the future, backed by data, which is where competitive advantages lie.
By 2040, the acceleration of digital transformation could add £236 billion to UK GDP, boosting the economy for decades to come and bringing tangible benefits to businesses, employees, and society as a whole. - Cebr/Virgin Media 02 Business Three Years of Progress Report
Looking ahead...
Digital transformation has been accelerated. Workplace transformation has been accelerated. But in 2022, it’s the investment in well-managed digital transformation that has huge possibilities that go beyond the workplace.
The agility of hybrid work can give more people more time and new ways to care for others, potentially freeing up £3.1 billion of NHS resources to focus on more pressing healthcare needs. The environment could also benefit, with 1.2 billion fewer car or taxi trips taken every year if everyone who says they could work remotely did so for just one extra day a week.
The last two years have shown that digital transformation demands a different way of doing things. A well-managed but continuously agile approach to work, the workplace, and all things digital can not only drive change but help your organization adapt, thrive, and shape a new everyday in 2022 and beyond.
Want to read more on workplace agility or see the Cebr research around digital transformation progress and goals? Click here to download the 2022 Business Communications Trends eBook.