5 Essential Business Tools for Hybrid Working

Hybrid and remote working has become a common practice in many organisations, and it seems like it’s here to stay. While the 2019 pandemic has proved that remote working does not have to negatively impact employees’ productivity, it has also shown companies the necessity for an effective toolkit going forward, to help the teams collaborate efficiently while working from anywhere. This article will look at the five most important tools a business needs in a hybrid work environment. 

1. Employee communication software

A robust employee communication software is one of the most essential requirements in a hybrid working set up. Different teams must be able to get in touch with each other instantly, plan meetings and video conferences, share files and information, etc… A comprehensive communication platform is able to integrate all of those needs in one, essentially creating a virtual office environment where team members can collaborate seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. Not only that, it also allows the company to make urgent announcements or notifications to all staff at once.

2. Project management solution

Effective coordination of projects is critical in a remote / hybrid work environment. There are various project management solutions that provide a visual overview of projects, facilitating easy tracking of tasks and deadlines. These tools enable teams to stay aligned on their goals and responsibilities, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. The ability to customise workflows, set up automated reminders, and integrate with other tools enhances their utility, making them a must-have for businesses looking to streamline their project management processes.

3. Cloud storage and collaboration tools

Hybrid working demands flexible access to documents and resources, whether you are working from home or the office. Cloud storage services are a great way to work around this, offering a central repository for all company files, accessible from anywhere. These platforms support real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously. This instant access and collaborative feature are crucial for maintaining continuity and efficiency in a remote working model.

4. Time management system

Managing the time of a remote workforce can be challenging. Therefore, companies can highly benefit from tools that help with time management and scheduling. Such a system will allow decision-makers to effectively navigate their worker’s calendars, assign shifts, view their holiday days, and time worked on certain projects. Likewise, the employees will be able to easily track their time worked on specific tasks. Additionally, these tools will often integrate a calendar too, offering a holistic view of their schedule, making it easier to plan their day and respect others’ time.

5. Cybersecurity and VPN services

With the blend of in-office and remote work, securing sensitive company data becomes more complex. Cybersecurity tools and VPN services provide robust security solutions that can be easily installed into the remote workers’ laptops. They ensure that data transmitted across networks is encrypted and protected from unauthorised access, as well as protect against cyber threats, such as malware or phishing emails. This security is crucial not only for protecting company data, but also for complying with data protection regulations.

Conclusion

While it offers great flexibility and a work-life balance, the hybrid work model can also bring its own set of challenges for the business. But, as long as the company arms itself with the essential tools, it will be rewarded with a happy and productive team of employees!