It’s no surprise that the traditional 9-to-5, office-centric work model is fading fast. These days, it's all about flexibility, and that's exactly what the modern workforce wants.  

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 41% of those with jobs that can be done remotely are working a hybrid schedule. 

People crave the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time – and companies need to get on board if they want to find (and keep) the best talent. 

We need to rethink the digital workplace entirely, building a virtual environment that connects those in the office with their remote colleagues, encourages collaboration, and fuels productivity, no matter where people choose to work.

The challenges of the hybrid model

While the hybrid model offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges:

• Maintaining connectivity: Bridging the gap between in-office and remote employees requires robust communication and collaboration tools that ensure everyone feels connected and included.
• Supporting different work styles: Providing a flexible digital workspace means catering to diverse work styles and preferences, offering a variety of tools and environments that support both individual focus and collaborative teamwork.
• Ensuring equity and inclusion: Creating a level playing field for all employees, regardless of their location or work arrangement, requires careful consideration of technology, communication practices, and company culture.
• Protecting data security: With employees accessing company data and systems from various locations and devices, robust security measures are crucial to prevent breaches and protect sensitive information.

Designing a flexible digital workplace:

Ready to thrive in this new era of work? Here's how to design a digital workplace that puts flexibility, connection, and employee experience front and center:

• Head to the cloud: Cloud-based platforms are the bedrock of a flexible digital workplace. They give employees access to applications, data, and collaboration tools from anywhere, at any time. A platform like Appspace can be a real game-changer.
• Collaboration is key: Arm your team with tools like Google Meet for video conferencing and Google Chat for instant messaging. Seamless communication is the name of the game.
• Keep it Simple: Nobody wants to wrestle with clunky tech. Opt for user-friendly, intuitive platforms like ChromeOS, which offers a consistent experience across devices, making it a breeze to access tools and information.
• Variety is the spice of (work) life: Design physical offices with a mix of private work areas, collaborative zones, and social spaces to cater to different needs and work styles. And don't forget to equip these spaces with ChromeOS devices for easy access to the digital workspace.
• Trust your team: Empower employees to manage their own schedules and work arrangements. A culture of trust and autonomy goes a long way.
• Security first: Don't let your guard down. Implement robust security measures like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular security awareness training. ChromeOS comes with built-in security features that can add an extra layer of protection.

Appspace: Enabling the flexible future of work with ChromeOS and Google Workspace too:

Appspace, integrated with ChromeOS and Google Workspace, is a powerful platform that enables organizations to create a truly flexible digital workplace. With Appspace, you can:

• Connect and engage employees: Deliver targeted communications, share important updates, and foster a sense of community across your entire workforce, regardless of location, using Appspace's digital signage capabilities on ChromeOS devices.
• Facilitate collaboration without friction: Integrate with Google Workspace, enabling employees to connect and work together seamlessly from anywhere, using Appspace to schedule meetings, share content, and manage projects.
• Optimize the use of physical office space: Implement room booking systems, desk reservation tools, and interactive wayfinding to maximize the efficiency of your physical workspace, all managed through Appspace on ChromeOS devices.
• Enhance the employee experience: Create a dynamic and engaging digital workplace that supports productivity, well-being, and a sense of belonging, leveraging Appspace's personalized content delivery and integrations with Google services.

The future is flexible:

The future of work is undeniably flexible. By embracing the right technology and fostering a culture of adaptability, organizations can create a digital workplace that empowers employees, drives productivity, and thrives in this new era of work. 

Appspace, combined with the power of ChromeOS and the rest of the Google ecosystem, provides the tools and platform to make this vision a reality, enabling organizations to design a truly future-ready workplace.