8 Essential Elements of a Successful Digital Workplace

What’s more, 40% of employees are considering quitting if they can’t work remotely, at least part-time. If corporations want to attract more young talent, reduce their turnover rate and stay ahead of their competition, they need the following 8 digital workplace components:

1. Software that encourages productivity

On average, those who work from home often work one more day a week, spend 10 minutes less a day being more productive and are 47% more efficient than office workers.

Most of these employees are using software that they already use at the office, so it stands to reason companies can see more work done in less time with the right kind of software. For example, large brokerages can reduce the real estate transaction process with transaction management software, customer relationship software and business management software.

2. Apps with mobile functionality

While most large software companies have an app equivalent for their products, that doesn’t guarantee functionality. Lazy developers may upload a similar interface for their mobile app, which often makes it clunky, slow and virtually unusable.

However, apps like Slack or Asana are 100% geared to a hybrid workforce and offer the same experience in-office or on-mobile.

Workplace apps make it easier for employees to work as a cohesive unit because they can receive notes, requests, edits, emails, messages and project details in real-time.

3. Cloud-based software off-premise solution

Whether you experience a power failure, natural disaster or other crisis, the cloud ensures your data is backed up and protected in a safe and secure digital location.

A whopping 85% of global companies have accelerated their digital transformation since the pandemic to manage everything from file-sharing to facility maintenance. The cloud is less expensive to use than on-premise servers and is easier to upgrade and maintain. Remote workers can specifically use the cloud to upload and download data without going into the office.

4. Technology that supports virtual meetings

Many remote workers don’t have the time or energy to pop into the office for a 5-minute meeting. Not only does it waste resources for all parties, but it also frustrates employees. Let’s face it: your employees don’t need to sit in for every meeting.

However, if they must be at this meeting, give them a choice to use a conferencing platform and scheduling software instead.

Corporations can set up high-resolution webcams that display a live video feed to their remote workers. By doing this, you bridge the gap between the virtual and physical workplace.

5. Data security across multiple computers

One of the challenges of a hybrid workplace is security. Remote workers who want to access company files may accidentally open a backdoor to hackers, viruses and data breaches.

Although some managed cloud computing solutions combat most security risks, it doesn’t hurt to establish Internet safety guidelines with your employees. For example, the IT department can vet all software before using them, and employees can password protect all files before sending them through the cloud. Everything sent remotely should be adequately encrypted beforehand.

6. Internet of Things (IoT) devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the millions of devices that are now connected to the Internet. IoT can connect and share data remotely and is often monitored with sensors.

Smart refrigerators, watches, fire alarms, fitness trackers and door locks are just a few examples of IoT devices that can connect and be monitored or changed on your phone. Corporations can use IoT devices to make their hybrid workplace more efficient. For example, a smartwatch can notify employees when their break is finished, improving productivity.

7. A modern and comfortable office design

Remote employees who are expected to return to their full-time in-office careers may not want to return to their cubicle. Even if they do, they’re unlikely to stay engaged working at the same desk 8-hours a day, 5-days a week.

Your enterprise could benefit from a makeover that prioritizes natural light, comfortable seating, elements of the outdoors and open space.

To make the space have a more digital component, your business could start using space management software, which notifies you on how much seating is available in each room.

8. Flexible hybrid workplace policies

A hybrid workplace needs a flexible work-from-home policy that establishes trust and clear expectations from their employers. If your in-house employees know who can work remotely and what tasks they’re required to perform once they transition, they’ll have a better grasp on what you expect from them. Having a policy in place can give your employees peace of mind.

It’s important that managers apply these rules fairly across departments. Don’t forget to explain when a remote worker's day begins and ends to reduce burnout or boundary confusion.