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Working remotely in 2022: three key trends

January 6, 2022
Read Time 2 mins
01

Working remotely

“The right technology investments are essential to enable businesses to thrive. It’s more important than ever to update your technology, with a focus on improving productivity, efficiency, and the ability to deliver a superior customer experience. The right technology can enable businesses to better manage distributed workforces, maintain acceptable service levels, and fulfil customers’ and employees’ needs.” Aysha Khan, National sales manager, Tarsus Distribution

The pandemic has forced irrevocable changes in the workplace

Much has been written about the enormous changes in our working lives during the past two years. When the coronavirus outbreak erupted and workers were told to pack up their desks and prepare to do their jobs from home, many thought it would be for a few weeks at most. No one could have predicted that 18 months later, a large chunk of the workforce would still be working remotely.

And then just as employees started to return to office buildings, another variant of COVID-19 was detected. The pandemic remains an unpleasant fact and little is likely to change in 2022. On the plus side, people have learned much about new ways of working, with many of us having the freedom to choose when and where we work.
Now is the time to make relevant adjustments in every area of the business, from technology to HR, from work operations to culture.

According to Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index, a study of over 30 000 people in 31 countries, 73% of respondents desire remote work options. The study found that a successful shift to hybrid work will depend on embracing the “hybrid paradox,” in which people want the flexibility to work from anywhere, but simultaneously crave more in-person connection.

This requires reimagining what “workplace” really means, and how new types of technology can empower people to integrate work into their lives in fresh and more meaningful ways.

The need for updated technology

The right technology investments are essential to enable businesses to thrive. It’s more important than ever to update your technology, with a focus on improving productivity, efficiency, and the ability to deliver a superior customer experience.

The right technology can enable businesses to better manage distributed workforces, maintain acceptable service levels, and fulfil customers’ and employees’ needs.

The role of the manager 

Managers play a key role in the hybrid work world. Trust will be the foundation of performance for employees and organisations.

Microsoft’s study places importance on one-on-one conversations to create trust and give people the confidence to embrace their version of flexible hybrid work. It will be important for team members to have ways to stay connected to others, and to have regular check-ins.

It will also be crucial for managers to show empathy for employees, listen to what they are saying, and know enough about the people they work with. Keeping teams engaged will require finding ways to have fun while working, and for teams to interact and build virtual relationships.

The year of cybersecurity while working remotely

Security threats will only increase, with supply chain attacks, data breaches, and mobile malware among the biggest threats. Checkpoint Software’s 2022 Cyber-security Predictions warns that supply chain attackers take advantage of a lack of monitoring within an organisation’s environment. Gangs will exploit companies and infect their customers with ransomware, demanding millions to provide decryption keys.

The report also notes that there is likely to be an increase in data breaches that have the potential to cost organisations dearly. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is critically important to secure networks across all IT assets.

References:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/support-flexibility-in-work-styles
https://blog.checkpoint.com/2021/10/26/deepfakes-cryptocurrency-and-mobile-wallets-cybercriminals-find-new-opportunities-in-2022/

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