The transition to hybrid work has been fraught with challenges. Enterprises and employees have figured out how to successfully sustain day-to-day operations, evolve their processes and technologies, and connect with colleagues all over the world in the last two years. These are crucial lessons, because this is the future of work.
People have figured out how to communicate in a distributed workplace, but they are having trouble connecting. The level of interaction and camaraderie that occurs in an office cannot be replicated using communication tools. Near network interactions have exploded since the pandemic, while far network interactions have dwindled; Microsoft recently published a study titled “The Effects of Remote Work on Collaboration among Information Workers,” which found that remote work reduced employees’ time spent collaborating cross-group by about 25% from pre-pandemic levels. The human potential of an organization is undermined by these silos of people and ideas.
Using a virtual office to build connection and culture into hybrid work
Employees can start each day by logging into their virtual office, with technology that focuses more on collaboration than communication. They can view the status of each of their co-workers there, including who is online and who is available to help with problems. They can use the virtual office to swiftly find answers to the questions they’re working on. Employees become faster and more efficient as a result of the technology, which boosts overall productivity.
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The virtual office also improves the employee experience by allowing more casual interactions. For example, there could be a room where employees are paired with another co-worker at random. They can spend a few minutes getting to know one another, exchanging details about their roles, figuring out how they can assist one another, and talking about what motivates them.
Employees are encouraged to meet others outside of their respective work teams as a result of these contacts, and a new type of company culture is formed in a virtual context. They’re especially crucial for younger employees who haven’t yet established professional networks, as well as new employees who learn about the company’s culture and practises through casual in-office talks.
Setting up a virtual office
This form of virtual collaboration is the first step toward working in a business metaverse, and it’s ready for businesses to start adopting right now.
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Don’t assume it’s a cost-cutting initiative
Will a hybrid work paradigm result in cost reductions for businesses? Yes, particularly if the amount of money spent on physical office space is reduced. However, having a virtual workplace should not be the primary goal. The main goal should be to boost employee satisfaction and productivity.
Communication tools should be used in conjunction with one another, not in place of one another
Collaboration-focused virtual office tool should be complementary to communication tools. It’s not an either/or situation; they should complement each other to give employees a smooth virtual experience.
Build the solution by focusing on the needs of the people
What are the specific use cases for the tool in the organization? Why is it vital for businesses to adopt it and how do they want people to use it? It should be laser-focused on assisting employees in obtaining the information they require to resolve challenges more quickly.
Utilize fast prototyping
This form of virtual work environment is new for both employers and employees. Businesses should partner with a technology company that is willing to work with them to try new ideas, figure out what works best for the company, and iterate quickly based on real-time input from employees and managers.
The future of work is evolving rapidly. Companies must leverage new technology to create immersive experiences that foster connection and culture in order to keep up. When done correctly, a virtual office provides employees with the best of both worlds: the flexibility of remote work combined with the camaraderie of the office.
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Prangya Pandab is an Associate Editor with OnDot Media. She is a seasoned journalist with almost seven years of experience in the business news sector. Before joining ODM, she was a journalist with CNBC-TV18 for four years. She also had a brief stint with an infrastructure finance company working for their communications and branding vertical.
