The post-COVID world of work is looking hybrid

As the Omicron COVID strain sweeps the globe, the return to work in 2022 has been hampered by uncertainty.

Based on the current situation, it may be hard to imagine a life after COVID-19. However, knowledge workers have already voiced what they want their work lives to look like post-COVID.

Results of a national survey of Australian knowledge workers conducted last year unveil some key insights about their preferences for work post-COVID. Understanding these insights might inform decisions around working arrangements as we edge cautiously into a new year and closer to a post-COVID world.

The survey, conducted by the Centre for the New Workforce at Swinburne University of Technology, shows almost every worker surveyed prefers some form of flexible work arrangement post-COVID.

While the number of days workers wanted to work in the office varied, all want to work flexibly post-COVID.

• Flexible workers prefer to split their time evenly between home and office.
• Home-based workers prefer 1.5 days per week in the office.
• Office-based workers want 3.7 days in the office.

Work-life balance is paramount to these workers and 43% would consider leaving an employer that does not offer flexible working.

Hybrid: The best of both worlds

This article highlights the benefits of remote working for individual productivity and work-life balance. While the office is “where workers get to connect, collaborate, create and learn”.

With advantages arising from the combination of both for much professional knowledge-based work, the future of work is looking increasingly hybrid.

This is an important insight for many businesses, particularly how to continue supporting employees, through culture, process, infrastructure and technology, while mitigating the risks that may arise as a result of remote working.

Protecting business data

Amongst a range of paid and free productivity apps, Microsoft 365 is original and some may consider the best cloud-based suite of apps. Chosen by businesses and commonly used among remote workers, its popularity is due to its innovative new features and comprehensiveness in addressing most essential office needs. However, its widespread use means the platform is more often targeted by cyber criminals.

Understanding why a business needs backup isn’t enough. To combat the ever-present risks of data loss and cyber threats, protecting Microsoft 365 data should be a critical consideration of a businesses’ continuity plan.

Protecting Microsoft 365 data and making it available for restore (if the worst should happen) prevents business data loss. This limits any impact to collaborations or business operations – regardless of where employees choose to work. Importantly, businesses will be able to preserve the agility and productivity gains of hybrid working, as we learn to live with COVID-19.