A OnePoll-Citrix survey reveals what we already know – hybrid work is here to stay. What the vendor is suggesting is that a unified, secure, and simplified work experience will be key to success – also something that candid discussions with departmental heads have concluded.
*Editor’s note: The survey points mentioned are global and may not necessarily be reflective of Asia.
Changing preferences
While many companies viewed remote work as a short-term solution to the pandemic, they now recognize it must be part of their permanent workforce and cost management strategies.
Tim Minahan, executive vice president of Strategy, Citrix said the work from home experience has caused businesses to fundamentally rethink work – where it gets done, how it gets done, and even who does it.
“Both companies and employees have seen the benefits more flexible work models can bring in terms of productivity, engagement and well-being. And they are not going back to working the way they did,” he added.
- 52% of respondents said they want a hybrid model where they can choose to work remotely or from the office each day.
- 16% indicated they have no interest in returning to the office and would prefer a permanently remote role.
- 45% noted that if they were to change jobs, they would only accept a role which offered flexible and remote work options.
- Nearly 75% said they would likely consider relocating to a different city if they could perform their role to the same level without commuting to a place of work.
Work is too noisy
With a lack of boundaries between their work and personal lives and no commute to manage, two-thirds of employees polled say they are working the same or more hours. And while they remain productive, many are struggling to do so.
- 41% of employees cited distractions in their home environment (children, pets, etc.)
- 28% say they lack appropriate technologies and applications to get work done
- 36% feel isolated and out of touch with colleagues
“The chat and collaboration tools companies have given employees to make them more effective while working remote are increasingly distracting them from their core work, causing mass fatigue and adding to their frustration as they adapt to the new world of work,” said Minahan.
He added that too many tools for collaboration is disrupting to work, and do not foster efficient ways to engage, collaborate and execute work.
Experience Matters
To attract and retain the talent they need to emerge from the pandemic in a stronger, better position, companies must find a way to simplify work and give employees the space they need to succeed in what will be an ongoing distributed work environment.
“Businesses need to put an experience layer between people and technology that removes the noise from employees’ days and allows them to work the way they want to deliver meaningful outcomes,” Minahan said.
