Embracing Modernised PCs for Hybrid Work Environments

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered how businesses operate, heralding a new era of hybrid work environments. As restrictions ease and offices reopen, organisations across Australia are grappling with the challenge of integrating remote work with traditional in-office setups. In this context, modernised PCs have emerged as a critical factor in enabling and optimising hybrid work. A comprehensive study conducted by Forrester Consulting, commissioned by Microsoft, sheds light on the evolving landscape and offers valuable insights for business leaders.

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of hybrid work models, where employees split their time between working remotely and in the office. This new normal presents unique challenges, particularly regarding the technology that supports this flexibility. Many existing PCs need to be equipped to handle the demands of hybrid work, necessitating strategic investments in hardware, software, and peripherals. In June 2021, Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to evaluate the device and infrastructure requirements for businesses in a post-pandemic hybrid work environment. The study involved an online survey of 1,733 business decision-makers in IT, HR, and line-of-business roles across 11 countries.

Key Findings

Employee Priorities for Hybrid Work

The top post-pandemic employee-related priorities focus on supporting hybrid work. Business leaders anticipate that over 50% of their workforce will continue in remote or hybrid work arrangements. To facilitate this, 75% of decision-makers plan to increase investments in PCs and laptops over the next few years, with a significant number expecting budget increases of 10% or more. Despite this, only 32% of respondents strongly agree that their current devices enable high mobility and flexibility for employees, highlighting a critical gap in readiness for hybrid work.

Challenges with Current PCs

Employees need help with their current PCs, including short battery life, slow processing speeds, lack of security, and inadequate mobile friendliness. Business leaders recognise the need for better devices but face barriers such as security concerns, limited budgets, and unclear post-pandemic office plans. Approximately 41% of respondents identified security as a top barrier, emphasising the importance of securing new devices for a more mobile workforce.

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Essential PC Features for Hybrid Work

For businesses to succeed in a hybrid work environment, PCs must possess the right features, peripherals, and supporting technologies. The study identifies several critical elements:

Device Features

1. Long Battery Life: Essential for constantly moving employees who may need immediate access to charging facilities.
2. Integrated HD Webcam: Necessary for high-quality video conferencing, a staple of remote collaboration.
3. 5G/LTE Connectivity: Ensures reliable internet access from various locations, enhancing productivity.
4. Multiple Accessory Ports: Provides flexibility for connecting different peripherals, supporting diverse work setups.

Peripherals

1. Wireless Monitor Connection: Facilitates seamless integration with external displays, enhancing the remote work experience.
2. Docking Stations: Simplifies connectivity to multiple devices, promoting a more organised and efficient workspace.
3. Wireless Headphones/Earbuds: Enhances audio quality for virtual meetings, reducing background noise and improving communication.

Supporting Technologies

1. Data Protection: Critical for safeguarding sensitive information across different work environments.
2. VPN/Secure Remote Connection: Ensures secure access to corporate networks, mitigating the risk of data breaches.
3. Cloud Capabilities: Enables seamless access to applications and data from anywhere, supporting collaboration and flexibility.
4. Identity and Access Management: Enhances security by ensuring that only authorised personnel can access specific resources.

Recommendations for Australian Businesses

Based on the findings, Forrester Consulting provides several recommendations for business and technology decision-makers to optimise their hybrid work environments.

Place Employee Experience (EX) at the Centre

The quality of available technology directly impacts employee experience, affecting productivity. By prioritising EX, organisations can ensure that employees remain engaged and motivated. Investments in high-quality PCs and supporting technologies can yield substantial returns by enhancing EX.

Map Employee Journeys

Understanding the daily journeys and critical moments for employees in different roles. Hybrid work involves more than just moving from home to the office; it includes working from various locations such as cafes, customer sites, and flex desks. Organisations can identify specific needs and tailor their PC strategies by mapping these journeys.

Choose Appropriate PCs

Selecting PCs that align with employee needs is essential for driving a positive experience. For instance, built-in high-quality webcams are crucial for remote meetings, while longer battery life benefits employees who frequently move between locations. Different roles may require specific features, necessitating a tailored approach to PC selection.

Modernise Technology Stacks

Great PC experiences start with hardware but extend to modern management tools, productivity applications, and cloud-enabled solutions. IT departments must equip employees with tools to enhance productivity and support seamless transitions between work environments.

Reconsider Device Refresh Cycles

Corporate policies regarding PC refresh cycles vary, with some organisations upgrading every two years and others waiting up to seven. Up-to-date technology is essential for knowledge workers to maintain productivity and stability. Faster refresh cycles can improve business continuity, enhance security, and support a more resilient work environment.

Why Australian Businesses Must Move in This Direction

The transition to hybrid work presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. Here's why Australian companies must embrace this direction:

1. Improved Productivity: Modern PCs with enhanced features enable employees to work more efficiently at home or in the office. This boosts overall productivity and ensures that work processes remain smooth and uninterrupted.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: Features like integrated HD webcams and wireless peripherals allow employees to collaborate more effectively, regardless of location. This fosters a more cohesive and collaborative work culture.
3. Greater Flexibility: Modernised PCs support various work styles, allowing employees to switch between different environments seamlessly. This flexibility is essential for maintaining work-life balance and employee satisfaction.
4. Better Security: Investing in the right technologies ensures that data remains protected, even remotely accessed. This reduces the risk of data breaches and enhances overall security.
5. Cost Efficiency: While initial investments in modern PCs may seem high, the long-term benefits include reduced IT support costs, fewer disruptions due to device failures, and improved business continuity.
6. Future-Proofing: By staying ahead of technological advancements, businesses can remain competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing work landscape. This forward-thinking approach ensures that they are well-prepared for any future disruptions.

As businesses navigate the post-pandemic world's complexities, modernised PCs' role in optimising hybrid work environments cannot be overstated. The insights from the Forrester Consulting study highlight the importance of investing in the right devices, peripherals, and supporting technologies to enable a flexible, secure, and productive hybrid work model. By prioritising employee experience and aligning technology strategies with the needs of a hybrid workforce, Australian businesses can unlock significant benefits, including improved productivity, enhanced collaboration, and greater employee satisfaction. In this new era of work, the right technology investments will be a cornerstone of business success.

Future Implications

As the hybrid work model becomes more entrenched, businesses must stay agile and responsive to evolving employee needs and technological advancements. Continuous assessment and adaptation of PC strategies will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge and fostering a thriving work environment. The lessons learned from the pandemic and the subsequent shift to hybrid work will undoubtedly shape the future of work, emphasising the indispensable role of modernised PCs in achieving organisational goals.

The transition to hybrid work presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. By investing in the right technology and enhancing employee experience, organisations can create a resilient and flexible work environment that supports productivity and innovation. The Forrester Consulting study commissioned by Microsoft provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating this transition, highlighting the critical role of modernised PCs in optimising hybrid work environments.

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