As parts of the region make progress towards having COVID-19 well under control, companies are shifting to a hybrid work model that supports their corporate needs without compromising workers’ health.

Microsoft’s “Work Reworked” survey backed up that prediction last year, establishing that as many as 97 percent of leaders expected a more hybrid working style in the longer term, and 83 percent of companies will offer their employees flexible work options.

Separate research conducted by PwC in late 2020 also indicated that the hybrid work model is here to stay.

Meanwhile, Accenture’s Future of Work Study 2021 found that 83 percent of the 9,326 workers surveyed prefer a hybrid arrangement where they can work remotely at least 25 percent of the time. The report also showed that a majority of high-growth companies (63 percent) already have productivity-anywhere workforce models in place, giving employees a choice between working remotely or on-site. On the other hand, “69 percent of negative or no-growth companies are still focused on where people are going to physically work (favouring all on-site or remote rather than [enabling a hybrid model]),” according to the report.

Both organisations and employees attribute numerous benefits to hybrid work, such as cost savings, improved talent retention, increased sustainability with a reduction in business travel and daily commutes, enhanced productivity and better mental health. The pros certainly appear to outweigh the cons.

However, to ensure a successful digital transformation in work models, business leaders should equip themselves with the right tools to overcome the challenges associated with working away from a physical office. Here are some of these tools:

ZOOM

This one is the least surprising on the list. After the UAE authorised the use of the video conferencing platform, Zoom’s user base in the country grew 900 percent to reach one million within a month. This easy-to-use enterprise platform allows teams to communicate effectively, share screens, send files, and host up to 40-people meetings.

MIRO

With more than 20 million users, this app enables distributed teams to work effectively together in an engaging way. This online collaborative whiteboard platform enables teams to visually map out their strategy on an infinitely zoomable canvas, in real time or asynchronously.

TEAMWORK

This team management software allows a user to manage remote teams effectively. From task management to time tracking, resource planning and internal communication on tasks, the Teamwork app aims to boost productivity while maintaining social contact between team members.

SEQURE

This facility management tool helps businesses create a safe working environment that supports part-time office hybrid work. The app offers four different solutions:

Visitor Management creates a new contactless access ecosystem to enhance safety and deliver an enjoyable front-office experience while keeping premises safe from any COVID-19 threats.

Internal Helpdesk is a self-service ticketing solution that manages all employee service requests through a super-powered virtual command centre.

The Asset Management system allows business owners to maintain and manage their assets and keep them in optimum working condition, thus minimising the risk of unscheduled downtime.

With strict capacity limits, the Seat Booking solution helps maintain a safe and secure work environment and promote a healthy workplace ecosystem for everyone at the office.

FRESHDESK

Serving customers with a remote workforce can be quite a challenge. FreshDesk allows startups and SMEs to serve their external customers by handling tickets as they appear in the system, which in turn helps organisations encourage effective ticket management.

QUICKBOOKS TIME

Attendance and time-tracking apps are essential in monitoring labour and time management in a hybrid work environment. Online or offline, the app can track time via GPS, allowing managers and administrators to check in real time who has logged in and out.

As the workplace and work conditions quickly evolve amid the coronavirus pandemic, organisations have to rapidly adapt to the swift changes in how people work and collaborate. Apps like the ones mentioned above can help in laying a solid foundation for a successful and efficient next-gen workplace.

(Reporting by May Rostom, editing by Seban Scaria)

(seban.scaria@refinitiv.com)

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